Spinach With Yogurt And Spices(Palak Raita)
A flavorful Indian-style spinach dish cooked with spices and finished with yogurt, perfect as a cooling side for spicy meals or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash spinach well and remove any tough stems. Pull the leaves into pieces and put into a saucepan with the moisture on the leaves or add 1 tablespoon of water.
- Cover and steam over low heat until spinach is tender.
- Drain and chop finely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider mixing in plain yogurt after the spinach is cooked. If fresh spinach isn't available, you can substitute with frozen spinach—just make sure to thaw and drain it well before cooking. For added flavor, a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the dish. Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your preference, especially the optional chili powder.
Serving Suggestions
This Spinach With Yogurt and Spices pairs beautifully with raita salad for a complete meal. Serve it alongside grilled meats or as a side to Indian recipes like Chana Halwa or Indian Fried Eggplant. It can also complement a light dal or curried vegetables with eggs, making for a balanced vegetarian meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also serve it cold, which makes it a refreshing addition to a summer meal or as part of a raita salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach With Yogurt And Spices(Palak Raita) contains roughly 503 calories, with 23g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (93% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 497mg per serving (22% 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 other greens instead of spinach?
Yes, you can substitute spinach with other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard. Just ensure they are tender when cooked. Each green will impart a different flavor, so feel free to experiment based on your taste preferences.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of chili powder or cayenne pepper. You could also include finely chopped green chilies during the cooking process for an extra kick. Adjust the spices gradually to reach your desired spice level.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish keeps well and can be made in advance. Just prepare it as instructed and store it in the fridge. It's a versatile addition to any meal plan, whether served cold or reheated, making it ideal for meal prep.
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).