Punjabi-style Spinach

Punjabi-style Spinach Recipe | Vegetarian Food from Punjab

Region / culture: Punjab | Servings: - 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Punjabi-style Spinach is a delicious and nutritious dish that is popular in the Punjab region of India. This recipe features fresh spinach cooked with aromatic spices and seasonings to create a flavorful and satisfying dish.

History

Punjabi-style Spinach has been a staple in Punjabi cuisine for generations. This dish is traditionally made with fresh spinach, ginger, garlic, and green chillies, cooked in ghee and seasoned with salt and cornmeal. It is a simple yet flavorful dish that is enjoyed by many.

Ingredients

500 g of mustard greens (or spinach)
2 cm piece of fresh ginger
2 hot green chillies
2 cloves of garlic (finely chopped)
2 tsp of salt
2 tbsp of cornmeal
2 tbsp of ghee

How to prepare

Wash, trim, and finely chop the greens.
Put 2 cups of water into a large pot and add the salt and the greens.
Cover the pot and cook for about 15 minutes until the greens are tender.
Remove the pot from heat.
Drain any excess liquid into a jug.
Thoroughly mash the greens in the pot, then stir in the cornflour.
Return the pot to heat and add half a cup of the reserved liquid.
Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
Set the pot aside.
In another pan, heat the ghee and lightly fry the ginger, garlic, and chillies for 3-5 minutes.
Add the contents of the pan into the pot of greens and mix well.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Variations

Add paneer or tofu for a protein boost.
Include tomatoes or onions for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to wash the spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.

- Finely chop the ginger, garlic, and green chillies for maximum flavor.

- Adjust the amount of green chillies to suit your spice preference.

- Use ghee for an authentic and rich flavor in this dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Punjabi-style Spinach with hot roti or rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the spinach mixture to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable oil as a substitute for ghee.

- Use spinach leaves instead of chopped spinach.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with fresh cilantro or a dollop of yogurt before serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Punjabi-style Spinach with dal and rice for a complete Indian meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

150 per serving

Carbohydrates

12g per serving

Fats

8g per serving

Proteins

4g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (ghee) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

This dish is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and protein, making it a healthy and nutritious option for a meal.

Summary

Punjabi-style Spinach is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a healthy meal. Enjoy this dish with your favorite Indian bread or rice for a satisfying and delicious meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Punjabi-style Spinach. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I sifted through my collection of cookbooks. I had always been drawn to Indian cuisine, with its fragrant spices and bold flavors, and I was eager to try my hand at creating a traditional Punjabi dish.

As I flipped through the pages of a well-worn cookbook, my eyes landed on a recipe for Palak Paneer, a popular dish made with spinach and paneer cheese. I was immediately intrigued, as I had never before attempted to make anything quite like it. The recipe called for a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala, along with fresh spinach and creamy paneer.

Excited by the prospect of trying something new, I set out to gather the ingredients needed to make the dish. I made my way to the local market, where I carefully selected the freshest spinach and paneer I could find. I also picked up a variety of spices, including whole cumin seeds, ground coriander, and a fragrant mix of garam masala.

Back in my kitchen, I began to prepare the dish, following the instructions in the cookbook closely. I sautéed the cumin seeds in ghee until they released their nutty aroma, then added the ground coriander and garam masala to create a fragrant base for the dish. Next, I added the fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt and release their vibrant green color.

As the spinach cooked down, I diced the paneer into small cubes and added them to the pot, allowing them to soak up the flavors of the spices and spinach. The dish began to take on a rich, creamy texture, the spinach melding with the paneer to create a harmonious blend of flavors.

I couldn't help but smile as I took my first bite of the Punjabi-style Spinach. The dish was everything I had hoped for and more - rich and flavorful, with a perfect balance of spices and textures. I knew I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come.

Over time, I continued to refine the recipe, adding my own personal touches and tweaks to make it truly my own. I shared the dish with friends and family, who all raved about its delicious taste and asked for the recipe. I was happy to pass on the secret to making the perfect Punjabi-style Spinach, knowing that it would bring joy and satisfaction to others, just as it had for me.

As the years passed, the recipe for Punjabi-style Spinach became a beloved tradition in my family, a dish that we would often enjoy together on special occasions and holidays. It was a reminder of the joy and warmth that cooking can bring, and of the deep connections that food can create between people.

I often think back to that warm summer day when I first discovered the recipe for Punjabi-style Spinach, and how it opened up a world of flavor and possibility for me. It was a moment that changed the way I viewed cooking, inspiring me to explore new cuisines and flavors, and to share my love of food with those around me.

And so, as I sit here now, surrounded by my family and friends, enjoying a steaming bowl of Punjabi-style Spinach together, I am filled with gratitude for the simple joy of cooking, and for the memories and connections that it has brought into my life. Cooking truly is a gift, one that I will always cherish and hold dear in my heart.