Spinach Rice(Palak Rice)
Spinach rice, also known as Palak rice, is a delightful fusion of flavours and nutrition that brings vibrancy to your plate. This dish, popular in various cuisines around the world, offers a unique way to incorporate the goodness of spinach into a comforting bowl of rice. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the origins of spinach rice, and its nutritional benefits, and share a delicious recipe for you to try at home.
Spinach rice is an easy-to-prepare vegetarian rice dish, which is ideal for kid’s lunch boxes. Palak rice is a popular vegetarian dish that features prominently in both home-cooked meals and restaurant menus. It’s often served alongside other dishes like lentils, curries, or yoghurt-based accompaniments. In Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, spinach rice variations may include ingredients like pine nuts, raisins, or spices such as cumin and coriander.
Palak rice is a popular vegetarian dish that features prominently in both home-cooked meals and restaurant menus. It’s often served alongside other dishes like lentils, curries, or yoghurt-based accompaniments. In Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, spinach rice variations may include ingredients like pine nuts, raisins, or spices such as cumin and coriander.
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For more recipes from this blog, you might also like please check:
Veg Pulao
Tomato Rice
Tamarind Rice
Lemon Rice
Curd Rice
🎥 Watch the Palak Rice Recipe Video
👩🍳How to make Spinach Rice Step-by-Step with Photos
🌿Ingredients for Palak Rice Recipe
Rice – I use long-grain basmati rice, as they turn out to be aromatic and fluffy. You can use any rice that you prefer.
Palak Puree – Palak or spinach is available freshly in Winter, so can use it in such everyday recipes. You can also use frozen spinach to make this recipe.
Whole Spices – To add some heat and flavour, we will use some whole spices such as cumin seeds, You can even add bay leaf, cloves, and black cardamom. if you like.
Oil/Ghee – Here, in this recipe, I have used oil and ghee but you can use any olive oil or even coconut oil. You can even use butter to make this Palak Rice.
Cashew Nuts – Fry the cashew nuts in a little ghee or oil and garnish the Palak Pulao with the same. It adds a nice crunch to the soft and aromatic pulao.
Other Ingredients – Some more ingredients that add to the taste of this Rice and make it even more delicious – Onion, Ginger, Garlic, green chilli, Lemon Juice, Salt, and chilli flakes.
If you like it to be spicy, you can also finely split green chillies, and add them along with onions.
Preparation for spinach puree:
- To blanch the spinach for spinach puree, add it to boiling water and allow it to a boil for 15-20 seconds, then transfer the spinach into ice-cold water immediately.
- Further, transfer the blanched spinach into a mixer grinder jar along with green chilli & grind it into a fine puree.
- Add the oil & ghee into a hot wok & once the oil gets hot, add cumin, garlic, ginger and saute for 2 minutes.
- Add onion, and stir & cook over high flame until the onions turn light golden brown.
- Once the onions turn light golden brown, add the spinach puree, salt, sugar stir well & cook for 3-4 minutes over medium-high flame.
- Add the cooked rice & gently stir to coat the rice with spinach puree and cook the rice for 2-3 minutes.
- Lastly, add the lemon juice & stir well.
- Your spinach rice is ready.
- Garnish with fried cashew nuts or dry fruits as per your choice.
- Serve hot with yoghurt.
FAQ Related to Spinach Rice
Yes, spinach rice is suitable for both vegetarians and vegans as it contains plant-based ingredients and does not include any animal products. You can customize the recipe to fit vegan dietary preferences by using plant-based oils such as olive oil or coconut oil instead of ghee, and ensuring that any additional ingredients are vegan-friendly.
Yes, you can make spinach rice using alternative grains such as quinoa, couscous, or bulgur for a healthier twist. Simply cook the alternative grain according to package instructions and mix it with the prepared spinach mixture. Adjust the seasoning and spices as needed.
Yes, spinach rice is a healthy dish as it combines the nutritional benefits of spinach with the carbohydrates from rice. Spinach is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while rice provides energy and dietary fibre. Together, they make a nutritious and balanced meal option.
Suggestions and Tips for Making Spinach (Palak)Rice
Fresh Spinach: Always use fresh spinach leaves for the best flavour and texture in your spinach rice. Wash the spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris before chopping it finely.
Blanch the Spinach: To preserve the vibrant green colour of the spinach and remove any bitterness, blanch the spinach leaves in boiling water for 15 sec-1 minutes, then immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain the spinach well before using it in the rice.
Adjust Seasonings: You can experiment with different spices and seasonings to tailor the flavour of the spinach rice to your taste preferences. Adjust the number of spices according to your preference for mild or bold flavours.
Add Nutritional Boosts: Enhance the nutritional value of spinach rice by adding ingredients like chopped carrots, peas, or tofu. These additions will increase the nutrient content, colour and texture.
Storage Suggestions for Spinach Rice
Palak Rice will last for about 2-3 days in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container. But I will recommend you to make it fresh, for the best taste.
Refrigeration: Allow the spinach rice to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, sprinkle a little water over the rice to prevent it from drying out, and then microwave or reheat on the stovetop until heated through.
Reheating Tips: When reheating spinach rice, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to help moisten the rice and prevent it dry. Stir the rice occasionally while reheating to ensure even heating throughout. You can also add a drizzle of oil or ghee to enhance the flavours before serving.
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Variations for Spinach Rice
Cheese Spinach Rice: Add a creamy twist to your spinach rice by stirring in some grated cheese during the last few minutes of cooking. The melted cheese adds richness and flavour to the dish.
Spinach and Herb Rice: Mix the chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, mint or dill into your spinach rice for freshness and colour. The herbs add a fragrant aroma and brighten the dish, making it even more irresistible.
Nutty Spinach Rice: Add toasted nuts such as almonds, cashews, or pine nuts to your spinach rice for added crunch and flavour. Simply sprinkle the nuts over the cooked rice before serving for a delightful texture contrast.
Spinach and Tomato Rice: for a tangy and vibrant variation, stir in diced tomatoes or tomato sauce to the spinach rice, which gives a well-rounded and flavorful dish.
Spinach and Quinoa Rice: for a gluten-free and protein-packed version, you can substitute rice with quinoa in spinach rice. Quinoa cooks faster than rice and has a nutty flavour that pairs well with the earthy taste of spinach.
Serving Suggestions for Spinach Rice
Yoghurt or Raita: Serve spinach rice with a side of refreshing raita such as Makhane ka Raita, Banana Raita, Anar ka Raita, Tomato Onion Raita, Cucumber Raita, Carrot Raita or any other Raita that you often make at home. The Yoghurt and raita complement the flavours of the rice, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
Papadums: Add crunch and texture to your meal by serving crispy papadums alongside spinach rice and it gives a delightful contrast to the softness of the rice.
Pickles or chutneys: Spice up your spinach rice with pickles or chutneys. Like mango pickle, lime pickle, or mint chutney, the tangy flavours will elevate the taste of the rice.
Paneer Curry: For a protein-packed meal, serve spinach rice with a flavorful paneer curry. Paneer is a versatile ingredient that absorbs the flavours of the curry sauce, adding richness and creaminess to the dish.
This recipe was originally posted in 2017 and has been updated to improve reader experience.
Spinach Rice Recipe
Materials
- 2 bunch spinach
- 1-2 green chilli
- 1 tbsp oil
- 2 tsp ghee
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic grated
- 1 tsp ginger grated
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 tsp Sugar
- 1 tsp chilli flakes
- 2.5 cup rice cooked
- 1 tsp Lemon juice
- 18-20 Cashewnuts fried/roasted
Instructions
Preparation for spinach puree:
- To blanch the spinach for spinach puree, add it to boiling water and allow it to a boil for 15-20 seconds, then transfer the spinach into ice-cold water immediately.
- Further, transfer the blanched spinach into a mixer grinder jar along with green chilli & grind it into a fine puree.
For spinach rice:
- Add the oil & ghee into a hot wok & once the oil gets hot, add cumin, garlic, ginger & onion, and stir & cook over high flame until the onions turn light golden brown.
- Once the onions turn light golden brown, add the spinach puree, salt, sugar & red chilli flakes, stir well & cook for 3-4 minutes over medium-high flame.
- Further, add the cooked rice & gently stir to coat the rice with spinach puree and cook the rice for 2-3 minutes.
- Lastly, add the lemon juice & stir well.
- Your spinach rice is ready.
- Garnish with fried cashew nuts or dry fruits as per your choice.
- Serve hot with yoghurt.
Notes
- You can use chopped spinach or puree as per choice.
- You can increase or decrease spices as per your taste.
I made this yesterday…it was delicious my kids loved it…thank u so much
Hi Priya,
very happy to know you loved the recipe, do try more and more recipes and let us know how you loved it.