How to Make Delicious Palak Chutney: A Healthy Spinach Delight

Are you tired of the same old chutneys and looking to spice things up with something nutritious and delicious? Try Palak Chutney! This vibrant chutney made from fresh spinach (palak) is a healthy and flavorful addition to any meal. Whether you’re enjoying it with roti, rice, or dosa, palak chutney offers a tangy and spicy flavor that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Spinach, known for its rich nutrients, takes the spotlight in this chutney, making it a fantastic way to get your greens in a tasty form. Packed with health benefits and bursting with flavor, palak chutney is an excellent way to introduce more greens into your diet. Let’s dive into how you can easily prepare this nutritious chutney at home.

Palak chutney – Palakura roti pachadi

Ingredients for Palak Chutney

Before we start, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients to make this delicious palak chutney.

Ingredient Quantity

Fresh Spinach (Palak) 3 bunches

Salt to taste       –

Coriander Seeds 1 tsp

Cumin Seeds      1 tsp

Black Gram (Urad dal) 1 tsp

Green Gram (Moong dal)     1 tsp

Dry Red Chilies   2-3

Tamarind   A small piece

Lemon       1

Oil (for frying)    2 tsp

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Palak Chutney

Step 1: Preparing the Spinach (Palak)

The first step in making a flavorful palak chutney is to prepare the spinach. Take 3 bunches of fresh spinach (palak), wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Once washed, chop the spinach into smaller pieces for easier cooking and blending.

Step 2: Preparing the Spices for Palak Chutney

Next, let’s prepare the spices that will elevate the flavor of our chutney. You’ll need coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black gram (urad dal), and green gram (moong dal) to bring that earthy richness to your chutney.

In a hot pan, heat 2 tsp of oil. Once the oil is warm, add the following:

– 1 tsp of green gram (moong dal)

– 1 tsp of black gram (urad dal)

– 1 tsp of coriander seeds

– 1 tsp of cumin seeds

Fry these ingredients until they turn golden and fragrant. This step releases the essential oils from the spices, enhancing their flavors. Then, add 2-3 dry red chilies to the pan and fry until crispy. Remove the fried spices and chilies from the pan and set them aside to cool.

Step 3: Cooking the Palak (Spinach)

Now, it’s time to cook the spinach. In the same pan, add a teaspoon of oil and toss in the chopped spinach. Stir it well so the spinach gets coated with the oil. Cook the spinach for 2 minutes, then cover the pan with a lid and let it cook in its own steam for another 2 minutes. This will ensure the spinach softens and cooks thoroughly.

While the spinach cooks, soak a small piece of tamarind in warm water. The tamarind will give the chutney its signature tangy flavor.

Step 4: Adding Tamarind Water

Once the spinach has softened, add the tamarind water to the pan. The tamarind water will help the spinach cook further and add a lovely tartness to the chutney. Don’t worry about adding extra water; the tamarind water will be enough to cook the spinach. Let the spinach simmer for another 2 minutes with the tamarind water. Once it’s cooked well, turn off the heat and let it cool down.

Step 5: Grinding the Palak Chutney

While the spinach cools down, take the fried spices and chilies, and grind them in a mixer grinder until they form a coarse powder. Once the spinach has cooled, add it to the mixer grinder along with the ground spices. You can add more tamarind water or salt to taste as you blend it into a smooth chutney.

For an extra tangy twist, squeeze in the juice of 1 lemon into the chutney. The citrusy flavor will balance out the spices and enhance the chutney’s freshness.

Also check Easy Ways to Make Radish Sambar at Home

Serving Suggestions for Palak Chutney

Now that your palak chutney is ready, let’s explore some ways to enjoy it!

– With Roti or Paratha: Serve this chutney as a side dish with your daily roti or paratha. The tangy and spicy flavors complement the soft, warm bread perfectly.

– With Rice: Palak chutney pairs beautifully with rice, adding a unique twist to your usual meal.

– As a Dip: Use this chutney as a dip for crispy dosa, idli, or even vada. It will elevate these snacks with its fresh, tangy, and spicy notes.

– As a Spread: Spread the chutney on sandwiches or wraps for a flavor-packed lunch or snack.

Health Benefits of Palak Chutney

Not only is palak chutney delicious, but it’s also packed with health benefits. Here’s why you should consider adding this chutney to your diet:

– Rich in Iron: Spinach is a great source of iron, which helps prevent anemia and boosts energy levels.

– Full of Vitamins A and C: These vitamins are essential for immune function, good vision, and healthy skin.

– Rich in Antioxidants: Spinach is loaded with antioxidants that protect the body from harmful free radicals and promote overall well-being.

– Aids Digestion: The fiber content in spinach aids digestion and helps prevent constipation.

– Low in Calories: Spinach is naturally low in calories, making it an ideal choice for weight management.

The addition of tamarind not only adds a tangy kick but also aids in digestion. Dry red chilies, coriander seeds, cumin, and other spices have anti-inflammatory properties, helping boost metabolism and promote overall health.

Pro Tips for the Best Palak Chutney

To ensure you make the best palak chutney, here are a few tips:

– Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder chutney, reduce the number of dry red chilies or omit them entirely.

– Use Fresh Tamarind: If you can, use fresh tamarind instead of tamarind paste for a richer, more authentic flavor.

– Consistency: For a smoother chutney, you can add more water when grinding. For a thicker consistency, use less water.

– Add More Greens: If you like, you can add other leafy greens like mint or cilantro to the chutney to give it an added freshness.

Conclusion

Palak chutney is not just a simple chutney; it’s a nutritious, flavorful companion for your meals. With its vibrant green color, tangy tamarind, and earthy spices, it adds the perfect balance of flavor to roti, rice, or any dish of your choice. Whether you’re looking to eat healthier or just spice up your meals, palak chutney is a great addition to your kitchen repertoire.

So, why not try making this easy and healthy chutney at home? It’s simple to prepare, and with just a handful of ingredients, you can create a chutney that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition.

Have You Tried This Recipe? 

If you’ve made palak chutney, share your experience in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family so they can enjoy the goodness of palak chutney too.