Indian Spinach Balls(Serves 3 To 4 Persons)
Indian Spinach Balls are flavorful vegetarian appetizers featuring spinach, spices, and yogurt, served with rice and pita for a wholesome meal suitable for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 (8 oz.) packages frozen chopped spinach ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 cup bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons oil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cumin seed ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ginger ⓘ
- 1/2 tablespoon curry powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon parsley ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
- red pepper (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the frozen chopped spinach according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, egg, bread crumbs, chopped onion, plain yogurt, cumin seed, ginger, curry powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Form the mixture into small balls and set aside.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the spinach balls and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 10-12 minutes.
- In a separate saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, water, and red pepper (if using). Bring to a simmer.
- Serve the spinach balls hot, topped with the tomato sauce, alongside rice and pita bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using egg whites instead of a whole egg. If you don't have bread crumbs, crushed crackers or oats can work as a substitute. Adjust the spices according to your taste; adding a pinch of garam masala can elevate the flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper or add chopped green chilies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Indian Spinach Balls hot, drizzled with the simmered tomato sauce. They pair beautifully with rice or pita bread. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a side of Mixed Vegetable Curry or a refreshing Curried Potato Salad for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spinach balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Indian Spinach Balls(Serves 3 To 4 Persons) contains roughly 1372 calories, with 10g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 122g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (139% of the Daily Value), iron (70% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2201mg per serving (96% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! You'll need about 1 pound of fresh spinach, cooked down and drained to match the amount of frozen spinach. Sauté it until wilted before adding to the mixture for the best texture.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make these spinach balls vegan, substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer. Use a plant-based yogurt alternative and ensure your bread crumbs are vegan. The rest of the ingredients can remain the same.
What can I serve as a dip with these spinach balls?
A yogurt-based dip, like tzatziki, or a spicy chutney works well with these spinach balls. You can also create a simple garlic sauce by mixing yogurt with minced garlic, lemon juice, and herbs for a refreshing side.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).