Nourishing Delight: Spinach Kitcheri Recipe

In the realm of comfort foods, few dishes can rival the timeless appeal of Kitcheri. Hailing from India, Kitcheri is not only cherished for its deliciousness but also revered for its ability to provide comfort and nourishment in one wholesome bowl. Today, we're going to explore a unique variation of this classic - Spinach Kitcheri. Packed with the goodness of fresh spinach, this recipe combines the earthy flavors of green mung beans and rice with a blend of aromatic spices. Let's dive into the kitchen and discover how to prepare this nutritious and satisfying dish.

Kitcheri Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup green mung beans (or any fast-cooking pulses you have available)

• 1 cup good (brown or basmati) rice

• 1 pinch of salt

• 1 tsp turmeric

• 1/2 tsp garam masala (or any spice mix you have available)

• 1 tsp fenugreek leaves (or any other herbs you like)

Palak Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 400g fresh washed and torn spinach

• 1 Tbsp oil (olive, soya, peanut, mustard seed, whatever you have handy)

• 1 small onion

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 1 small tomato

• 1/2 tsp garlic-ginger paste or 1 crushed garlic clove and 1 cm grated ginger

• 1 tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp garam masala (or ready spice mix)

• Optional: 100g diced tofu or organic paneer (Indian cheese) to make it a main dish

Preparation Steps

Kitcheri

1. Mix and wash the beans and rice 2-3 times and drain.

2. Add 6 cups of fresh water and the spices.

3. Cook in the pressure cooker 15-20 minutes or 35-40 minutes in a saucepan (add 2 cups of water so it stays soupy).

4. Add herbs and eat as it is or with steamed/stir-fried vegetables.

Palak

1. Brown onion and cumin seeds in the oil in a pan over medium heat.

2. Reduce heat, add all other ingredients, and leave to simmer for 3-5 minutes.

3. Add diced tofu or organic paneer while simmering if you like.

Incorporating spinach into your Kitcheri adds not only a burst of vibrant color but also a myriad of health benefits. Spinach is renowned for its high nutritional value, packing in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This Spinach Kitcheri recipe combines the comfort of a classic Indian dish with the wholesome goodness of fresh greens, making it a delightful and nutritious addition to your culinary repertoire. So, the next time you're in search of a comforting yet nourishing meal, don't hesitate to whip up a batch of Spinach Kitcheri. Your taste buds and body will thank you for it!