Bengali Spinach Stir-Fry
Bengali Spinach Stir-Fry is a vibrant, flavorful dish that serves as the perfect side to compliment a variety of Bengali curries, such as the beloved Mama Roy's Daughter's Chicken Curry. This dish features easy-to-find frozen spinach combined with aromatic black cumin seeds and the heat of dried chilies, creating a delightful symphony of flavors. Economical and quick to prepare, it also allows for versatility by incorporating proteins like shrimp or even crispy hash browns. Whether served alongside a hearty curry or enjoyed on its own, this comforting dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen chopped spinach
1 (16 ounce bag)
Black cumin seeds (kala jeera)
1 (generous pinch)
Whole dried chilies
5-6 (whole or torn)
Salt
to taste
Canola oil
1-2 (tablespoon)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by heating the canola oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat, ensuring it is sufficiently hot but not smoking.
2
2. Once the oil is shimmering, add a generous pinch of black cumin seeds (kala jeera). Stir them gently to release their fragrance, allowing them to sizzle for about 30 seconds.
3
3. Introduce the whole or torn dried chilies into the pan. Stir continually until they become fragrant, approximately 1-2 minutes.
4
4. Without needing to thaw, add the entire bag of frozen chopped spinach to the pan. Toss the spinach until it is evenly coated with the oil and spices.
5
5. Cook the spinach, stirring frequently, until it softens to your desired consistency. For a drier result, allow it to steam off any excess moisture. Season the sautéed spinach with salt to taste during the cooking process.
6
6. The total cook time should range between 10 to 15 minutes. You can serve this dish immediately, or it reheats beautifully. For an added twist, incorporate some shrimp before adding the spinach or mix in crispy fried hash browns once the spinach is fully cooked for a delightful texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bengali Spinach Stir-Fry?
Bengali Spinach Stir-Fry is a vibrant, flavorful side dish that combines frozen spinach with aromatic black cumin seeds and dried chilies.
What type of spinach is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a 16-ounce bag of frozen chopped spinach for convenience and economy.
Do I need to thaw the spinach before cooking?
No, you can add the frozen chopped spinach directly to the pan without needing to thaw it first.
What are black cumin seeds?
Also known as kala jeera, black cumin seeds are aromatic seeds used in Bengali cuisine to provide a unique fragrance and flavor.
How many dried chilies should I use?
The recipe calls for 5 to 6 whole dried chilies, which can be left whole or torn depending on your heat preference.
What is the best oil for this stir-fry?
Canola oil is recommended for its neutral flavor and high smoke point.
How long does it take to cook this dish?
The total cook time ranges between 10 to 15 minutes.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, you can incorporate shrimp or other proteins like crispy hash browns for added texture and flavor.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the base recipe is vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
Is Bengali Spinach Stir-Fry gluten-free?
Yes, all the primary ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
What should I serve with this spinach stir-fry?
It serves as a perfect side to Bengali curries, such as Mama Roy's Daughter's Chicken Curry.
How do I prevent the spinach from being too watery?
To achieve a drier result, allow the spinach to steam off any excess moisture while cooking and stirring frequently.
When should I add the salt?
You should season the spinach with salt to taste during the cooking process.
How do I add shrimp to this recipe?
If you choose to use shrimp, incorporate them into the pan before adding the frozen spinach.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
While the recipe specifies frozen chopped spinach for ease, you can use fresh spinach, though cooking times and moisture levels will vary.
What is the purpose of kala jeera in this dish?
Kala jeera, or black cumin seeds, are used to release a specific aromatic fragrance that defines the dish's flavor profile.
How many ingredients are required?
The recipe requires 5 main ingredients: frozen spinach, black cumin seeds, dried chilies, salt, and canola oil.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is a healthy, low-calorie side dish packed with the nutrients found in spinach.
Can I reheat the leftovers?
Yes, this dish reheats beautifully and can be enjoyed for several days.
How do I prepare the dried chilies?
You can add them whole for a milder flavor or tear them into pieces to release more heat into the oil.
What heat level should I use to cook?
The recipe suggests using medium heat for the skillet.
Can I add potatoes to this?
Yes, mixing in crispy fried hash browns once the spinach is cooked is a recommended variation for texture.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is heating the canola oil in a medium-sized skillet until it is shimmering but not smoking.
Is this recipe economical?
Yes, it is described as an economical dish that uses affordable ingredients like frozen spinach.
How long do I sizzle the black cumin seeds?
Allow the seeds to sizzle for about 30 seconds to release their fragrance.
Should the oil be smoking hot?
No, the oil should be hot and shimmering but not smoking.
Can I use other types of oil?
While canola is suggested, you can use other neutral oils like vegetable or sunflower oil.
What size bag of spinach is needed?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce bag of frozen chopped spinach.
How long do I stir the dried chilies?
Stir the chilies continually for approximately 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant.
Can this be eaten as a main dish?
While intended as a side dish, it can be enjoyed as a light main, especially if protein like shrimp is added.