This spinach rice recipe is a delightful way to incorporate greens into your meal. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the goodness of spinach with aromatic spices and basmati rice. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, it’s versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides. The recipe also offers variations to suit different tastes, making it a go-to option for many occasions.
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Add oil to a non-stick pan over medium heat and then add the cumin seeds and other whole spices like cinnamon, bay leaf, cloves, and cardamom. Fry until aromatic.
Add the ginger-garlic paste and then the chopped onions. Sauté until golden brown.
Add the spinach puree or chopped spinach and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
Add salt and mix well.
Once the spinach has cooked, add boiled rice to the same pan and mix it thoroughly.
Finally, add lemon juice and serve hot.
You can add vegetables like green peas and sweet corn; if doing so, add them before adding the spinach puree.
You can also add mace and star anise for the whole spices.
Instead of the whole spices, you can use a tsp of garam masala, cumin powder, and coriander powder each.
For a different flavor, eliminate the ginger-garlic paste and whole spices, and add a tsp of dried parsley, oregano, and basil before sautéing the onions. You can also add a tbsp of finely chopped garlic along with the onions.
If making a simple version of the rice, serve it with chicken curry or vegetable stew. If using whole spices, pair it with onion-tomato raita.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw it and blend it into a puree or chop it finely before using.
What can I serve with spinach rice?
Spinach rice pairs well with onion-tomato raita, chicken curry, or vegetable stew.
Can I skip the whole spices?
Yes, you can skip the whole spices and use garam masala, cumin powder, and coriander powder instead for a simpler version.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is already vegan as it does not include any animal-based ingredients.
How can I make the dish spicier?
You can add more green chilies or a pinch of red chili powder to make the dish spicier.
Chef, food stylist, seasonal TV Author for ZEE TV Middle East, recipe developer. "I love telling stories through my food. A dish, for me, is not just a mix and match of ingredients but an avenue to pay homage to a nostalgic past while incorporating techniques and elements of the present. I share various signature dishes and the nostalgic anecdotes of my youth in India whilst also celebrating the beauty of U.A.E. and its great gastronomic talent. I have been featured on various social platforms including radio channels in Dubai, U.A.E. newspapers like The National Business, and renowned magazines in India and USA. Currently, I cook and teach easy recipes on ZEE TV Middle East. My journey has taught me my own strength and fortitude. It's where I realized that cooking is my passion and that I ’de be a fool not to pursue it as my career in any capacity."
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