palak rice

Palak rice, also known as Spinach rice is a healthy variation of pilaf or pulao made with spinach puree, rice, onions, herbs and spices. This delightful recipe is ready in 30 minutes and makes for a nutritious meal when paired with salad, pickle or raita.

Palak Rice (Spinach Rice)

spinach spinach puree)

green chilies (- chopped)

ginger (- chopped)

garlic (- chopped)

rice rice

tej patta (or Indian bay leaf)

cloves

cinnamon

green cardamoms

mace strand (- thin single mace strand and not the whole mace)

star anise (- optional)

cumin seeds

onion (or 1 medium onion thinly sliced or ⅓ cup sliced onions)

lemon juice (- optional)

water

salt

Rinse basmati rice till the water runs clear of starch. Then soak the rice grains in enough water for 20 to 30 minutes. Later drain the water and keep the soaked rice aside.

When the rice is soaking, rinse the spinach leaves very well and roughly chop them. You will need 3 cups roughly chopped spinach.

Now add the spinach leaves in a blender or grinder jar. Also add green chilies, ginger and garlic cloves (all roughly chopped). For a moderatly spicy rice add 2 to 3 green chilies.

Blend to a smooth puree. Keep covered aside.

Preparation

In a pressure cooker, heat oil. 

Add the following spices and saute them till they splutter - tej patta, cloves, cinnamon, green cardamoms, mace strand, small star anise and cumin seeds.

Next add thinly sliced onions. Stirring often saute the onions till light golden or golden.

Add the spinach puree. Stir and saute for 4 to 5 minutes on a low heat.

Add the rice and mix rice very well.

Add salt as required and water. 1 cup water gives an al dente rice. For a softer texture in the rice you can add 1.25 cups water. I added 1.25 cups water.

Stir very well. At this step you can also add a few drops of lemon juice.

Cover and pressure cook spinach rice for 8 to 9 minutes or 2 to 3 whistles on medium to medium-high heat.

When the pressure falls down in the cooker on its own, then remove the lid and gently fluff the rice.

Serve palak rice hot with a side salad or pickle or raita. While serving, if you want you can garnish with some chopped coriander or mint leaves.

For some protein you can also add pan-fried tofu or paneer. Garnish the spinach rice with either of these.

Making palak rice

Palak rice or palak pulao is a healthy, delicious and colorful dish made of spinach, spices &amp; rice. It can be served without any side or with a salad or raita. Palak rice is quick to make for a meal and also goes well in lunch box. Instructions included to cook in pot, pressure cooker and instant pot.

Palak Rice Recipe | Indian Spinach Rice

rice (uncooked (basmati for instant pot))

oil (or ghee)

cumin seeds ((jeera))

bay leaf (or curry leaves)

spinach ((palak) (tightly packed about 100 grams leaves))

green chilies (slit

garlic (chopped garlic

onion

potato sweet corn

½ to ¾ garam masala ((adjust to taste))

turmeric ((optional))

salt ((adjust

mint leaves (or coriander leaves (fine chopped))

lemon juice

Rinse rice and cook in a pot or cooker. Rice must be grainy and not mushy.

Wash palak thoroughly in lots of water. Drain completely. Add them to a small blender and puree to a smooth paste. You can also add few tablespoons of water to help blend smooth or alternately fine chop and use.

Heat a pan with oil, add cumin seeds and bay leaf.

When the cumin begins to sizzle, add garlic &amp; saute until it turns fragrant for about 40 to 60 seconds.

Add onion and green chilli . Saute until the onions turn golden.

Then add potatoes. Saute until they become tender. If needed sprinkle some water and cook.

Sprinkle garam masala, salt and turmeric. Pour palak puree and saute until the raw smell goes off.

Add mint leaves and saute for a min or two. Switch off the stove.

Transfer the cooled rice, squeeze in the lemon juice. Mix everything well. Taste test and add more salt if needed

Serve palak rice hot or warm.

How to make Palak Rice (Method 1)

Heat oil in a pot. Add cumin and bay leaf. When the cumin sizzles, saute ginger garlic paste.

Then add onions and green chilies. Fry until transparent. Add potatoes or any other veggies you intend to use. Stir fry for 2 to 3 mins.

Stir in the garam masala, salt and turmeric. Transfer the pureed palak and saute until the raw smell goes away.

When the mixture turns thicker, add uncooked rice.

If using pressure cooker, pour 1¾ cups water for basmati rice. (2 cups if using normal rice).  If cooking in a pot use 2 cups water.

Pressure cook on a medium high flame for 1 whistle for basmati rice. If using normal rice pressure cook for 2 whistles.

Release the pressure manually with the help of a spatula if using basmati rice.

Fluff up palak rice with a fork.

Method 2 - One pot Spinach Rice

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Palak Rice (Spinach Rice)

Palak Rice Recipe | Indian Spinach ...

Top 2 palak rice recipes from across the web

The most viewed palak rice recipes by Recipe Cart users, saved from over 20,000 sites. Or, go to our Recipe Search Engineic_arrow_forward_48px

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Palak Rice (Spinach Rice)

Palak Rice Recipe | Indian Spinach ...

The most viewed palak rice recipes by Recipe Cart users, saved from over 20,000 sites. Or, go to our Recipe Search Engine