Spinach Rice | Palak Pulao | pasalai keerai sadam

Ingredients

  • Basmati Rice – 1 cup (rinse & soak in water for 15 mins)
  • Onion – 1 medium size, thinly sliced
  • Tomato – 1 medium size, finely chopped
  • Ginger paste / minced – 1 tsp
  • Garlic paste / minced – 1 tsp
  • Cashewnuts – 5-6
  • Lemon juice – 1tbsp
  • Water – 1.5 cups
  • Salt to taste
  • Chopped carrots, beans &green peas – 1 cup (optional)

To Grind:

  • Fresh spinach (palak) chopped – 2-3 cups
  • Coriander leaves (cilantro) & Mint – 1 cup
  • Green chillies – 2, slit lengthwise
  • Cashewnuts – 3

Whole Spices to temper: 

  • Bayleaf – 1
  • Cinnamon stick – 1 inch
  • Cloves – 2
  • Cardamom – 2,Cumin/fennel seeds- 1/2 tsp

Spice Powders:

  • Chilli powder – 1 tsp (depending on spice level as 2 green chillies are already added)
  • Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp
  • Garam masala – 1 tsp
  • Biriyani masala – 1 tsp

Method

  1. Grind all items under „To grind“ to a fine paste. Alternatively you can finely chop the greens if you prefer. 
  2. Heat oil in a pan (or pressure cooker). once it is hot, add whole spices, cashews. Saute till cashews turn light golden.
  3. Add onions, brown it a bit. Add ginger-garlic paste, saute for 2-3 mins till the raw smell is gone.
  4. Add the spice powders, saute for a quick 1 min till the raw smell disappears. Be careful not to burn the spices. 
  5. Add the ground paste or chopped greens, saute them for 1 min.
  6. Add tomatoes, cook for 2 mins till they turn soft.
  7. If adding vegetables, add them, saute for a min. 
  8. Add Basmati Rice with water, salt & give a stir.
  9. If using electric rice cooker, add everything in the cooker, cook as usual. If using pressure cooker, cook for 2 whistles on medium flame. If cooking directly in a pot, cook on medium flame with closed lid, till done. 
  10. After rice is cooked, add lemon juice, fluff it up gently. Serve with any Raita. 

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