Palak Cholay (Spinach and Chickpeas Curry)
Ingredients
- Chickpeas (Cholay/ white chana) 1 can (or 1.5 cup boiled)
- Spinach 1 packet (or 400 grams) I used frozen packet of 400 grams
- Black peppercorns 6
- Cumin seeds 1 teaspoon
- Cinnamon sticks 2
- Bay leaves 1-2
- Onion 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic paste 1 teaspoon
- Ginger paste 1 teaspoon
- Tomato 1 medium, finely chopped
- Green chilies 1-2, sliced
- Salt 1/2 teaspoon or to taste
- Red Chili Powder 1/2 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon
- Coriander powder 1 teaspoon
- Cumin Powder 3/4 teaspoon
- Garam masala powder 1 teaspoon
- Oil as needed
- Dried red chilies 2
- Butter 1-2 tablespoons
Instructions
- I have used frozen spinach in this recipe. If you are using fresh spinach, then after cleaning and washing, blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes and take out and allow the water to drain.
- Put the blanched spinach into a blender and blend to a smooth puree.
- If you are using frozen spinach then simply let it thaw for a while, take out and blend to form a smooth puree.
- Heat oil in a pot and add dried spices (cumin seeds, cinnamon sticks, black peppercorns and bay leaves) and fry until aromatic.
- Add onions and fry until they just start to change color. Do not let them brown.
- Add ginger paste, garlic paste and green chilies and fry until the raw smell goes off.
- Then add tomatoes and mix. Cover and cook until tomatoes are soft and mushy.
- Now, add salt, red chili powder, turmeric powder and coriander powder and sauté until the aroma of powdered spices is released.
- Once the dry gravy is ready add the boiled or canned chickpeas and give it a stir for a minute.
- Add blended spinach. Mix and add garam masala powder and cumin powder and mix.
- Evaporate all the water from the spinach and then stir fry for 3-4 minutes. This step will give a very good flavour to your palak cholay.
- Now create some space in the middle of the pan by moving the spinach aside and add butter, once heated add the dried red chilies and stir fry for a few seconds. Mix everything together and turn the flame off.
- Palak Cholay is ready.
- Serve with lachay daar paratha or roti. Enjoy!