Palak, or spinach, is a versatile and healthy ingredient that can add flavour and nutrition to your dinner table. Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or simply looking for exciting, practical Indian cooking dinner ideas, palak recipes are a must-try. From creamy palak paneer to comforting dal palak and saag paneer made with different greens and large stems, there are many options that can suit your taste buds.
Palak can be a main dish or a side, adding freshness and vibrancy to any meal. This blog will present some delightful palak recipes for dinner, catering to fans of creamy curries, hearty soups, and flavourful stir-fries. No matter your cooking skills, explore the diverse world of great Indian food focused on palak recipes with us, including tips on how to choose the best palak, such as opting for tender and light to medium green leaves like fenugreek leaves rather than dark leaves, which can be less tasty.
Must-try Palak recipes for dinner
Are you looking for delicious and healthy dinner options? Look no further! Fresh spinach, or palak, is the star ingredient in these flavourful spinach recipes:
Dal Palak
A hearty lentil and spinach stew a nutritious Indian dish
This hearty and nutritious dish combines the goodness of lentils with the vibrant flavours of spinach and cup tomatoes. Dal palak is delicious and packed with protein and vitamins, cooked to perfection with aromatic spices like one teaspoon of garam masala, cumin, garlic, and ginger. It can be made in a large pot on the stovetop, in an instant pot, or even in a saucepan, making it a versatile and easy option for dinner. Serve it hot with rice or roti for a satisfying dinner that nourishes and satisfies many people on a low oxalate diet.
Also Read: Paneer Spinach Dal
Palak Shorba
A smooth spinach soup a flavourful appetizer from Indian cuisine
A comforting bowl of palak shorba is the perfect way to start your dinner on a chilly evening. This creamy spinach soup is infused with roasted cumin, garlic, and green chillies, creating a warm and soothing experience for your taste buds. While cooking this delicious palak recipe, pour water according to your preference regarding the thickness of the palak shorba. Garnish with a dollop of yoghurt and a fresh coriander sprinkle for extra flavour and elegance.
Palak Chicken
Tender chicken cooked in a spiced spinach gravy
Elevate your dinner with this succulent and flavourful palak chicken dish prepared using a bunch of whole spices and aromatic ginger-garlic paste. Tender chicken pieces are simmered in rich, creamy spinach gravy infused with aromatic spices like garam masala, turmeric, and coriander. The spinach adds a vibrant green colour and boosts the dish’s nutritional value, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal when paired with steamed rice or naan or as a delicious side dish for your next party.
Palak Paneer
Creamy spinach curry with chunks of soft Indian cottage cheese
Palak paneer is a classic favourite among vegetarians. It is a creamy spinach and Indian cottage cheese curry, also known as spinach curry, that never fails to impress. The soft paneer cubes soak up the flavours of the spinach puree gravy, along with the distinct taste of coriander leaves, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes in every bite.
There are many different ways to make palak paneer, with some using coriander leaves, half a teaspoon cumin seeds, an inch cinnamon piece, good flavourful garam masala and methi leaves (fenugreek leaves) for a unique flavour. Moreover, soak paneer cubes in hot water for some time before cooking to ensure enhanced softness. Serve this delectable dish with hot rotis or parathas for a wholesome and fulfilling dinner experience at your favourite Indian restaurant.
Also Read: Spinach and Potato Cutlet
Aloo Palak
A comforting dish of potatoes cooked with spinach
This simple yet satisfying dish combines the earthy flavours of potatoes with the freshness of spinach, creating a wholesome and comforting meal. The potatoes are cooked until tender in one or half tablespoon oil and then simmered in a flavourful spinach gravy seasoned with cumin, turmeric, and chilli powder. Aloo palak pairs perfectly with hot chapatis or steamed rice, making it an ideal choice for a quick and nutritious dinner. For a healthier option, use clean water to blend the spinach gravy and cook on medium heat to ensure a nutritious meal.
Punjabi Malai Palak
Creamy spinach curry infused with rich Punjabi flavours
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavours of Punjabi malai palak for a decadent dinner experience. This luxurious dish features spinach cooked in a luscious cream sauce with aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. Adding cream adds a velvety texture to the dish, making it an irresistible treat when served with fluffy naan or fragrant basmati rice, jeera rice, or ghee rice. For a truly indulgent experience, pair it with some warm and buttery butter naan.
Palak Masala Pongal
A savoury South Indian rice and lentil dish flavoured with spinach and spices
Add spinach to the traditional South Indian dish of Pongal to give it a nutritious twist. Palak masala pongal combines the wholesome goodness of rice and lentils with the vibrant flavours of spinach and spices. This hearty one-pot meal is delicious and packed with essential nutrients, making it an ideal choice for a wholesome and fulfilling dinner. It pairs perfectly with ghee rice, adding a rich, buttery flavour to the dish.
Palak Paratha
Flaky Indian flatbread stuffed with seasoned spinach
Spice up your dinner routine with these flavourful and nutritious palak parathas. Fresh spinach leaves are finely chopped and kneaded into the dough, along with spices like cumin, coriander, and green chilies, to create a vibrant and aromatic flatbread. You can also add half a teaspoon of kasuri methi to enhance the flavour. Serve these delicious parathas with a dollop of yoghurt, chunky curry or pickle for a satisfying and wholesome dinner option that’s sure to impress.
Palak Recipes for Dinner: Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
It is important to note that using old, mature, large dark green spinach may result in a bitter taste due to the high concentrations of oxalic acid. To prevent this, simply use young spinach, which is more tender and sweeter in taste and flavour, as used in many other recipes, such as dal palak, spinach paratha, palak rice, aloo palak, and many more.
Don’ts
Be careful not to overcook the spinach, as this can also increase its bitterness. For added flavour, try tempering your dal palak with 1/8 teaspoon turmeric and half a teaspoon salt. Don’t forget to do a taste test and adjust the seasoning as needed. Before blending, cool the cooked spinach entirely and transfer it to a blender jar with ¼ cup of clean water for a smooth and creamy texture. Avoid adding too much water, as this can make the dal too thin and watery. Start with ½ cup water and add more if needed for desired consistency.
Health Aspects of Palak Recipes for Dinner
The bright green colour of palak not only looks appealing but also signifies its high nutritional content. It is rich in vital vitamins and antioxidants, making it a nutrient-dense option for dinner. Spinach provides good iron, calcium, and vitamin C, essential for overall health. Cooking with palak is simple and offers various possibilities rooted in decades of experience related to exploring diverse tastes and cooking methods of spinach, fenugreek leaves, amaranth leaves, etc., such as sautéing with spices, blending into curry, or using them in baked dishes.
Conclusion
Spinach lovers, whether you are an experienced cook or all set to explore cooking for the first time, these must-try palak recipes offer a delightful culinary experience for dinner.
From classic favourites like palak paneer to the savoury aloo palak and comforting palak rice, there’s something for everyone. Take advantage of the creamy Punjabi Malai palak or the rich palak masala chicken.
This blog dedicated to Palak recipes for dinner, including Palak Paneer, is not just useful for spinach lovers but is also helpful if you are a recipe developer, a food writer, or a food photographer to find healthy food inspiration ideas. With just a cup of water, these recipes unveil the secrets to creating the perfect palak dishes that are sure to delight your taste buds.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty Palak Paratha or a warm Palak Shorba, these recipes have you covered. Discover the health benefits of spinach, including baby spinach, and traditional spices like red chilli powder, good flavourful garam masala, chopped green chilies and beyond to perfect your palak dishes. Enjoy a flavourful journey through appetizers, salads, main courses, and desserts featuring this nutritious leafy green.
Start cooking and indulge in the goodness of baby spinach paratha tossed in olive oil and a lot of other related recipes tonight!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Palak a Good Choice for Dinner?
Palak, rich in iron and vitamins, adds nutrition and flavour to dinner. Its versatility shines in dishes like palak paneer and aloo palak, offering a healthy and delicious meal option. Spinach’s health benefits make it an excellent choice for a satisfying dinner.
Can These Recipes Be Made Vegan or Vegetarian?
All these palak recipes can easily be made vegan or vegetarian by substituting dairy or meat with plant-based alternatives. Embrace the versatility of palak in your cooking for delicious plant-powered meals.
Are These Palak Recipes Kid-Friendly?
Some of these palak recipes, like Aloo Palak and Palak Paratha, are kid-friendly. They offer a blend of flavours and nutrition that children enjoy. These dishes can be a tasty way to introduce spinach into your child’s diet.
