Indian spinach and chickpeas, also known as palak chana, is a delicious and nutritious dish that is a staple in many Indian households. It is a combination of tender spinach, savory chickpeas, and a variety of aromatic spices that come together to create a flavorful and vibrant dish. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this article will provide you with the knowledge and guidance you need to create an unforgettable Indian spinach and chickpeas dish that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
INDIAN SPINACH-AND-CHICKPEA FRITTERS
Steps:
- Whisk the chickpea flour, cornstarch, baking powder, cumin seeds, cayenne and 3/4 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Add 2/3 cup water and whisk until smooth. Add the onion, chickpeas, spinach and ginger to the batter and mix to combine.
- Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep heavy-bottomed pot until a deep-fry thermometer registers 325 degrees. Working in batches, drop heaping tablespoonfuls of batter into the oil (do not crowd the pan). Cook until lightly golden, about 2 minutes, turning as needed. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel-lined plate. Cool slightly, then gently press each fritter into a small disk, about 1/3 inch thick.
- Return the fritters to the hot oil and fry until crisp and golden brown, about 1 more minute. Season with salt and serve with chutney.
SPINACH AND CHICKPEA CURRY
Spinach and chickpeas are a popular combination, and this one has an Indian twist. I love this as a side-dish with Fairy Nuff's Recipe #86753
Provided by Daydream
Categories Spinach
Time 50m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a large heavy-based saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat and then add the garlic and onion.
- Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes or until the onion begins to soften.
- Add the curry paste and mustard seeds, stir to mix, and cook a further minute.
- Add the potatoes with 2 cups water, bring to the boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently, uncovered, for around 20 minutes or until the potatoes are almost tender and most of the water has evaporated - it is a good idea to stir occasionally.
- While the potatoes are cooking, press as much liquid as possible out of the spinach through a sieve, then chop roughly.
- Add the chickpeas and spinach to the potato mixture.
- Cook for a further five minutes, until the potatoes are tender, stirring frequently to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- It may be necessary to add a splash more water, but take care the mixture does not become too wet.
- Stir in the paneer cheese and lime juice, and heat through gently.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve garnished with chopped cilantro.
CHANA MASALA (SPICY CHICKPEAS) WITH SPINACH
Got this from a friend. Chana masala with spinach is a variation of a traditional and popular Indian dish. If you don't have all the spices on hand, its ok to omit one of them without too much trouble, but don't omit more than two or you will have a completely different (and bland!) dish on your hands. For a heartier variation, toss in some tofu with the chickpeas and serve over rice.
Provided by CandyTX
Categories Asian
Time 35m
Yield 2-4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a large skillet or frying pan, sautee onions and garlic in olive oil until soft, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add chickpeas straight from the can, including all the water.
- Add spices and lemon juice, cover, and simmer about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, adding more water if needed, until chickpeas are browned and soft.
- Reduce heat, add spinach and cover.
- Allow spinach to wilt for 2-4 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 481.3, Fat 23.5, SaturatedFat 3.2, Sodium 733.5, Carbohydrate 57.4, Fiber 13.3, Sugar 2.6, Protein 15.6
CHANA MASALA (CHICKPEA CURRY) WITH SPINACH
A superhealthy vegetable-packed curry with chickpeas, spinach and tomatoes. Serve this delicious Indian dish with filling brown basmati rice
Provided by Jennifer Irvine
Categories Main course
Time 35m
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Heat a large non-stick pan and dry-fry the cumin seeds for 1 min, stirring often, while they pop. Remove and set aside. Cook the rice following pack instructions.
- Heat the oil using the same large pan, add the onion, garlic, ginger and chilli, and sauté over a medium heat for about 3 mins. Reduce the heat, add all the spices, stir well and cook for a further 2 mins.
- Add the tomatoes, stirring, and use the side of a spoon to break them up into smaller bite-sized chunks.
- Add the chickpeas and 200ml water. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 10 mins.
- Stir in the lemon juice and spinach. Let the spinach wilt, then remove the pan from the heat.
- Divide the rice between 2 bowls, and serve the curry. (The flavours intensify as it cools, so for a fuller flavour, make earlier in the day and reheat slowly prior to serving.)
Nutrition Facts : Calories 420 calories, Fat 12 grams fat, SaturatedFat 1 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 60 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 12 grams sugar, Fiber 12 grams fiber, Protein 20 grams protein, Sodium 1.3 milligram of sodium
Tips:
- Prep your ingredients: Before you start cooking, make sure all of your ingredients are prepped and ready to go. This will help you save time and ensure that your dish comes together smoothly.
- Use fresh spinach: Fresh spinach has the best flavor and texture, so if you can, use it in this recipe. If you only have frozen spinach on hand, be sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess water before using.
- Don't overcook the spinach: Spinach cooks very quickly, so be careful not to overcook it. Otherwise, it will become mushy and lose its vibrant color.
- Add the chickpeas last: Chickpeas take longer to cook than spinach, so add them to the pot last. This will help ensure that they are cooked through without overcooking the spinach.
- Season to taste: Be sure to season the dish to taste with salt, pepper, and garam masala. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dollop of yogurt for extra flavor.
Conclusion:
This easy and delicious Indian spinach and chickpeas recipe is a great way to enjoy the flavors of India in your own home. It's a healthy and flavorful dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. With its vibrant color and delicious flavor, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy Indian recipe, give this one a try!
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