Palak Rice Recipe: A Nutrient-Packed Spinach Delight

Introduction: 

Palak Rice, or spinach rice, is a wholesome and nutritious dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of spinach with aromatic spices and basmati rice. This simple yet delicious recipe not only provides a burst of color to your plate but also offers a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to create Palak Rice, a delightful addition to your vegetarian repertoire.

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Ingredients:

Basmati rice - 1 cup

Fresh spinach (palak) - 2 cups, washed and finely chopped

Onion - 1, finely chopped

Tomato - 1, finely chopped

Green chilies - 2, finely chopped

Ginger-garlic paste - 1 tablespoon

Cumin seeds (jeera) - 1 teaspoon

Ghee or vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons

Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon

Red chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon

Garam masala - 1/2 teaspoon

Salt - to taste

Water - 2 cups

Steps:

Cooking Basmati Rice:

Rinse basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes.

In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add soaked and drained rice, a pinch of salt, and cook until the rice is 70-80% done. Drain excess water and set aside.

Preparing Palak Base:

In a pan, heat ghee or vegetable oil over medium heat.

Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.

Add chopped tomatoes and green chilies. Cook until the tomatoes are soft.

Adding Spinach and Spices:

Add finely chopped spinach to the pan. Cook until the spinach wilts and blends well with the onion-tomato mixture.

Sprinkle turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix thoroughly.

Combining Rice and Palak Mixture:

Gently fold in the partially cooked basmati rice into the palak mixture.

Ensure the rice is well-coated with the spinach and spices.

Final Cooking:

Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and let the Palak Rice cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked.

Fluff the rice with a fork, ensuring it's evenly mixed with the spinach mixture.

Serving:

Garnish the Palak Rice with a drizzle of ghee and fresh coriander leaves.

Serve hot with yogurt or a side of raita.

Conclusion: 

Palak Rice is not just a treat for your taste buds; it's a celebration of health and simplicity. With the goodness of spinach and the aromatic blend of spices, this dish is a perfect choice for a quick and nutritious meal. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures of Palak Rice as it adds a touch of green goodness to your dining experience.