Dinner Lunch

Palak Rice

Name: Palak Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 cup basmati rice; 1 bunch spinach; 5 garlic cloves; 1 small piece ginger; 1 tbsp oil; 1 tbsp ghee; 1 cinnamon; 2 clove; 2 cardamom; 1 bay leaf; 1/2 tsp cumin seeds; 2 onion; 4 green chilli; 1/4 tsp turmeric powder; 1 tsp kashmiri chilli powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp garam masala; water

Hema Subramanian March 10, 2025

Servings: 4 Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal, this Palak Rice (Spinach Rice) is a must-try!

It’s packed with the goodness of spinach, warm spices, and fluffy basmati rice, making it an ideal lunch or dinner option.

This easy one-pot dish is not just flavorful but also loaded with nutrients. Whether you’re cooking for a weekday meal or meal prepping, this dish is a winner.

Let’s dive into the recipe and make your kitchen smell amazing!

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Healthy

Palak Rice

Author: Hema Subramanian Cooking Method: Sauteing Cuisine: Indian Courses: Dinner, Lunch Recipe Keys: Kids Quick Meals Vegetarian Meals

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 35 mins Rest Time 30 mins Total Time 1 hr 15 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 320

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Dietary:

O one pot meal V Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 cup basmati rice (soaked 30 mins)
1 bunch spinach (palak leaves)
5 garlic cloves
1 small piece ginger (chopped)
1 tbsp oil
1 tbsp ghee
1 cinnamon
2 clove
2 cardamom
1 bay leaf
¹⁄₂ tsp cumin seeds
2 onion (thinly sliced)
4 green chilli (2 for paste and remaining for another steps)
¹⁄₄ tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp kashmiri chilli powder
1 tsp salt (as needed)
¹⁄₂ tsp garam masala
water

Instructions

Prep Work

Soak rice

Rinse basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 30 minutes.
Prepare spinach mix

Wash and chop spinach leaves. Blend them with garlic, ginger, and green chillies to make a smooth paste.

Method

Boil rice

Bring water to a boil in a pot. Add soaked rice and salt, cook fully, strain, and set aside.
Heat oil & ghee

Heat oil and ghee in a kadai.
Add whole spices

Add cinnamon, clove, cardamom pods, bay leaf, and cumin seeds. Saute briefly.
Saute onions & chillies

Add thinly sliced onions and green chillies. Saute for 5 minutes until onions turn golden brown.
Add spices

Stir in turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Mix well.
Cook spinach paste

Add the blended spinach paste and cook for 10 minutes until it thickens.
Add garam masala

Stir in garam masala and mix well.
Mix with rice

Gently fold in the cooked rice with the spinach mixture.
Garnish & serve

Garnish with roasted cashews and serve hot.

Equipment

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Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 320kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 8g13%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Cholesterol 5mg2%
Sodium 350mg15%
Potassium 480mg14%
Total Carbohydrate 55g19%
Dietary Fiber 4g16%
Sugars 2g
Protein 6g12%

Vitamin A 4700 IU
Vitamin C 18 mg
Calcium 90 mg
Iron 2.8 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Palak Rice, Spinach Rice, Healthy

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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:

Why do I need to soak basmati rice?

Soaking helps the rice cook evenly and makes it fluffier.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, but fresh spinach gives a better flavor

How do I make the spinach paste smooth?

Add a little water while blending if needed

Should I peel the garlic before blending?

Yes, peeling enhances the flavor and texture of the paste

Can I make the spinach paste in advance?

Yes, you can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days

How do I know when the rice is fully cooked?

The grains should be soft but not mushy.

Why do we add whole spices?

They enhance the aroma and depth of flavor

Can I skip ghee?

Yes, but it adds a rich taste to the dish

How long should I cook the spinach paste?

Cook it for at least 10 minutes to remove the raw taste

Why is my palak rice turning too mushy?

Overcooking or adding too much water can make it mushy.

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Palak Rice