Spiced Spinach Delight
This Spiced Spinach Delight is a vibrant and flavorful dish that I've come to love making weekly. It’s a quick and nutritious lunch option that brings the earthy flavor of spinach to the forefront, enhanced by aromatic spices and fresh ingredients. The combination of garlic, ginger, and green chili imparts a delightful warmth, while the garam masala and other spices elevate the dish, making it truly satisfying. Feel free to customize the spices and add veggies like potatoes, tomatoes, or creamy yogurt to suit your palate. Serve it with rice or bread for a complete meal! Perfect for busy days and packed with essential nutrients!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
spinach
2 cups (cooked)
garlic
1 teaspoon (grated)
ginger
1 teaspoon (grated)
green chili
1-2 (sliced)
garam masala
1/2 teaspoon
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
thymol seeds
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon
coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon
cumin powder
1/2 teaspoon
oil
1 teaspoon
salt
to taste
Instructions
1
Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
2
Once the oil is hot, add the thymol seeds (ajwain) and allow them to sizzle for a few seconds.
3
Add the grated ginger and garlic, stirring well until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
4
Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, around 5-7 minutes.
5
Stir in the cooked spinach, mixing thoroughly with the onion mixture.
6
Sprinkle in the turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well to ensure the spices coat the spinach evenly.
7
For a creamy variation, consider adding boiled potatoes, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of yogurt at this stage. Stir to combine.
8
If you prefer a saucy version, add a mixture of water and corn starch to the skillet, stirring until the sauce thickens.
9
Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, adjusting seasoning to your taste.
10
Serve hot with rice or your choice of bread, enjoying the warmth and depth of this delicious dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Spinach Delight?
It is a vibrant and flavorful vegetarian dish made with spinach, aromatic spices like garam masala, and fresh aromatics like ginger and garlic.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is 100% vegetarian as it consists of vegetables, spices, and oil.
Is Spiced Spinach Delight vegan?
The base recipe is vegan; however, if you choose to add the optional yogurt for a creamy variation, it will no longer be vegan unless you use a plant-based yogurt.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of cooked?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach, but you will need to cook or wilt it in the pan before proceeding with the final spice mixing steps.
What are thymol seeds?
Thymol seeds, also known as ajwain, are small seeds that provide a unique herbal flavor similar to thyme and are known for aiding digestion.
Can I omit the thymol seeds?
Yes, thymol seeds are listed as optional and can be omitted if you do not have them on hand.
How long does it take to sauté the onions?
The chopped onions should be sautéed for approximately 5-7 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
How do I make the dish creamy?
To achieve a creamy texture, you can add a dollop of yogurt or even some heavy cream during the final cooking stages.
Can I add potatoes to this dish?
Yes, adding boiled potatoes is a recommended variation that makes the dish heartier.
How do I make a saucy version of this spinach?
You can create a sauce by adding a mixture of water and corn starch to the skillet and stirring until it thickens.
What should I serve with Spiced Spinach Delight?
It is best served hot with steamed rice or your choice of bread, such as naan, roti, or pita.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a warm flavor profile from ginger, garlic, and green chilies, but you can adjust the number of chilies to control the heat level.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, frozen spinach works well; just ensure it is thawed and squeezed of excess water before adding it to the pan.
What is the role of garam masala in this recipe?
Garam masala is a blend of ground spices that provides warmth, depth, and a signature aromatic finish to the dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The core ingredients are naturally gluten-free; however, ensure your corn starch and spices are certified gluten-free if you have sensitivities.
Can I add tomatoes to this recipe?
Yes, diced tomatoes can be added along with the onions to provide a slight tang and extra moisture.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze Spiced Spinach Delight?
Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
How do I reheat this dish?
Reheat it in a pan over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
What kind of oil should I use?
Any neutral cooking oil like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil will work perfectly.
Can I use ginger-garlic paste instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 2 teaspoons of ginger-garlic paste if you do not have fresh ginger and garlic to grate.
What are the health benefits of this dish?
It is rich in iron and vitamins from the spinach, while the turmeric and ginger provide anti-inflammatory properties.
Can I use baby spinach?
Yes, baby spinach is a great option because it is tender and cooks very quickly.
How can I reduce the bitterness of the spinach?
The spices and onions help balance the earthiness, but adding a tiny pinch of sugar or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can also help.
Can I add other greens like kale?
Yes, you can mix spinach with other greens like kale or mustard greens, though cooking times may vary.
What if I don't have coriander powder?
If you lack coriander powder, you can omit it or use a bit more garam masala, which usually contains coriander.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, it is a quick lunch option that holds up well when prepared in advance.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on using 2 cups of spinach, this recipe typically serves 1 to 2 people as a side or main dish.
Can I make this without onions?
Yes, you can skip the onions; just start by sautéing the ginger and garlic directly in the hot oil.
Why is turmeric used in this recipe?
Turmeric is used for its vibrant golden color and its numerous health-promoting antioxidants.