Palak Rice

Palak Rice is a vibrant and nutritious Indian dish that combines fragrant basmati rice with pureed spinach and spices, creating a delightful meal that's both healthy and satisfying. This colorful dish is perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, packed with the goodness of greens.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 1 cup (200g)
• Spinach leaves - 150g
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1 inch, grated
• Green chili - 1, slit (optional)
• Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Garam masala - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Water - 2 cups (500ml)
• Oil - 2 tablespoons
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Fresh cilantro - for garnish

Steps

1. Wash the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 20 minutes.
2. In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
3. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown. Then, add minced garlic, grated ginger, and slit green chili, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Add turmeric powder and stir to combine, cooking for another minute.
5. In a separate pot, boil the spinach leaves in water for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Drain and cool, then blend into a smooth puree.
6. Add the spinach puree to the onion mixture, and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Add the soaked and drained basmati rice to the spinach mixture, along with 2 cups of water and salt to taste. Stir gently to combine.
8. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and water is absorbed.
9. Once done, remove from heat, let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork.
10. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 8 g
• Carbs: 64 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in iron and vitamins A and C from spinach, promoting healthy blood and immune function.
• Provides a good source of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.

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