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Palak Rice (Spinach Rice): A Quick and Flavorful One-Pot Indian Meal Recipe

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4.2 from 7 reviews

Palak Rice is a flavorful Indian one-pot meal combining basmati rice, fresh spinach, aromatic spices, and vegetables like potato and peas. This vibrant green dish is quick to prepare, nutritious, and perfect as a wholesome main course served with traditional sides like raita and pickle.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 3 servings

Ingredients

For the Rice

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 1¾ cups water, for cooking
  • 1 medium potato, diced
  • ¼ cup green peas, fresh or frozen
  • 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons ghee
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

For the Spinach Paste

  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • ½ cup fresh coriander leaves, including stems
  • 5–6 garlic cloves
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger
  • 2 green chilies
  • 2 cloves
  • 2 green cardamom pods
  • 1-inch cinnamon stick
  • A few fresh mint leaves (optional)
  • A little water, as needed for blending

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • ½ teaspoon red chili powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rice: Thoroughly wash the basmati rice 3–4 times until the water runs mostly clear to remove excess starch. Soak the rice in 3 cups of water for at least 1 hour to ensure even cooking, then drain well before cooking.
  2. Make the Spinach Paste: Combine the spinach, coriander leaves, ginger, garlic, green chilies, cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and optional mint leaves in a blender or grinder. Blend until smooth, adding a small amount of water if necessary to help with blending. Set the paste aside.
  3. Cook the Palak Rice: Heat ghee in a large pot over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté for 2–3 minutes until they become lightly browned and fragrant. Stir in the diced potato along with coriander powder and red chili powder, cooking for another 2–3 minutes to develop flavor. Add the spinach paste and mix well, cooking for about 2 minutes to preserve the bright green color. Next, add green peas, salt, and the soaked, drained rice; gently stir and sauté for 2 minutes to combine all ingredients. Pour in 1¾ cups of boiling water, stir gently, then cover with a lid. Cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes or until the rice and potatoes are tender. Remove from heat, keep the pot covered, and let it steam for an additional 5 minutes. Finally, uncover and fluff the rice gently with a fork or spoon before serving.

Notes

  • Soaking the rice ensures fluffier grains and better texture.
  • Avoid overcooking the spinach paste to retain its vibrant green color and fresh flavor.
  • You can adjust green chili quantity to control the heat level.
  • Serving with raita, pickle, and papad complements the flavors well.
  • Use fresh spinach for the best taste, but frozen can be used if fresh is unavailable.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/palak-rice-spinach-rice-a-quick-and-flavorful-one-pot-indian-meal-recipe/