Palak Recipes: 7 Tasty Spinach Dishes Including Palak Paneer, That Are Easy to Make and Delicious to Eat

Spinach, known as Palak in Hindi, is a nutrient-packed leafy green vegetable that has been used in a variety of cuisines around the world. It’s rich in vitamins, iron, and fiber, making it an excellent addition to any diet. Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal or a dish bursting with flavor, Palak recipes are perfect for all occasions. Here are seven delicious, easy-to-make Palak dishes that you can try at home, including the beloved Palak Paneer!

1. Palak Paneer

This is one of the most popular North Indian dishes that combines soft, cottage cheese cubes (paneer) with a smooth spinach gravy. The mildly spiced curry pairs perfectly with roti or rice.

Ingredients:

• 200g spinach (Palak)
• 100g paneer (cubed)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 tomatoes (pureed)
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon oil

Instructions:

1. Blanch the spinach in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then blend it into a smooth paste.
2. Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, and sauté onions and ginger-garlic paste until golden.
3. Add tomato puree and spices, cook for a few minutes.
4. Add the spinach paste, and cook for 5-7 minutes.
5. Add paneer cubes, mix gently, and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Garnish with cream or butter, if desired, and serve hot with roti or rice.

2. Palak Dal

A healthy, protein-packed meal made by combining yellow lentils (toor dal) with spinach. This dish is simple yet flavorful and can be served with rice or roti.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup toor dal (yellow lentils)
• 2 cups spinach (chopped)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1 tomato (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon oil

Instructions:

1. Cook toor dal in a pressure cooker until soft.
2. In a pan, heat oil, add cumin and mustard seeds, then sauté onions and tomatoes.
3. Add turmeric and red chili powder, followed by the chopped spinach. Cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add the cooked dal, salt, and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes.
5. Serve with rice or roti.

3. Palak Paratha

A delicious and healthy flatbread made with spinach dough. Perfect for breakfast or as a side dish to curries.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup spinach (pureed)
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Water for kneading

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the wheat flour, spinach puree, cumin powder, garam masala, and salt.
2. Gradually add water and knead into a soft dough.
3. Divide the dough into small balls and roll them into thin circles.
4. Cook the parathas on a hot tawa (griddle) until both sides are golden brown.
5. Serve with yogurt or pickle.

4. Palak Chaat

This dish is a crispy, tangy, and spicy delight. It combines fried spinach leaves with yogurt, tamarind chutney, and a variety of spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch spinach (washed and dried)
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 2 tablespoons tamarind chutney
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan and deep fry spinach leaves until crispy.
2. Spread the fried spinach on a plate and drizzle with yogurt and tamarind chutney.
3. Sprinkle cumin powder, red chili powder, and salt.
4. Serve immediately as a crispy snack or appetizer.

5. Palak Soup

A light and nourishing soup that’s perfect for cold weather. This spinach soup is creamy, flavorful, and easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups spinach (chopped)
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, melt butter and sauté the onion and garlic.
2. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
3. Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a boil.
4. Simmer for 10 minutes, then blend the soup until smooth.
5. Season with salt and black pepper. Serve hot.

6. Palak Tofu

For a vegan twist on Palak Paneer, try using tofu instead of paneer. The tofu absorbs the flavors of the spinach curry and makes for a delicious, plant-based meal.

Ingredients:

• 200g spinach (blended)
• 200g firm tofu (cubed)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1 tomato (pureed)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon oil

Instructions:

1. Sauté onions in oil until golden, then add tomato puree and spices.
2. Add the spinach paste and cook for a few minutes.
3. Gently add tofu cubes, mix, and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
4. Serve with rice or roti.

7. Palak Fritters (Palak Pakora)

Crispy and crunchy spinach fritters are a favorite snack, especially in rainy weather. These are great as a tea-time snack or party appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups spinach (chopped)
• 1/2 cup gram flour (besan)
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Mix chopped spinach, gram flour, cumin powder, red chili powder, and salt in a bowl.
2. Add a little water to make a thick batter.
3. Heat oil in a frying pan, and drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil.
4. Fry until golden and crispy.
5. Serve with chutney.

Conclusion

These seven Palak recipes are simple, nutritious, and delicious. From the creamy Palak Paneer to crispy Palak Pakoras, there’s a recipe for every palate. Whether you’re a vegetarian or vegan, these dishes are versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences. So, next time you’re looking for a healthy and tasty meal, reach for some spinach and try out these flavorful dishes!