Looking for a delicious and healthy spinach recipe packed with garlic flavor? Try this Lasooni Palak recipe that’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect with chapati, paratha, or even steamed rice.
This step-by-step guide shows you how to make restaurant-style Garlicky Spinach Curry at home in under 30 minutes!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich in Iron & Vitamins
- Garlic-Loaded for Maximum Flavor
- No cream needed – curd adds richness!
- Vegetarian & Gluten-Free
- Perfect with roti or rice
Ingredients
For Blanching Spinach
- 2 bunches of spinach (palak), cleaned & washed
- 1 tsp sugar
- Ice-cold water
For Curry Base
- 2 tbsp oil (or ghee/butter)
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- 8–10 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2–3 green chilies, chopped
- 1 tsp chickpea flour (besan) or all-purpose flour
- 1 tomato, roughly chopped
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- Water, as needed
- 3 tbsp fresh curd (or cream)
- ½ tbsp garam masala
- 2 tsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
For Garlic Tadka (Tempering)
- 1 tbsp ghee
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- 8–10 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
- 5–6 dried red chilies
Instructions
Step 1: Blanch the Spinach
- Boil water and add 1 tsp sugar.
- Add spinach and boil on high flame for 2–3 minutes.
- Transfer immediately to ice-cold water to stop further cooking and preserve the green color.
This process is called blanching – it keeps the spinach vibrant and nutrient-rich.
Step 2: Prepare the Spinach
- Separate 30–40% of the spinach for chopping.
- Lightly squeeze excess water from the rest and blend it into a smooth puree.
- Finely chop the reserved spinach – it adds a beautiful texture.
Step 3: Make the Curry
- In a pan, heat oil or ghee and add cumin seeds and chopped garlic.
- Add onions and sauté till light brown.
- Add green chilies, then chickpea flour, and stir well.
- Add tomatoes and salt; cook till soft.
- Mix in turmeric and coriander powders.
- Add chopped spinach first and cook for 1 minute.
- Add spinach puree and water to adjust consistency.
- Simmer for 8–10 minutes without covering.
- Lower heat and stir in curd or cream for a rich texture.
Step 4: Final Touches
- Add garam masala and kasuri methi.
- Mix well and cook for 2–3 more minutes.
Step 5: Garlic Tadka
- Heat ghee in a small pan, add cumin seeds and garlic.
- When golden brown, add sesame seeds (optional) and dried red chilies.
- Quickly pour the tadka over the spinach curry.
How to Serve
Serve Lasooni Palak hot with:
- Chapati / Paratha
- Steamed Rice
- Jeera Rice
Pro Tips
- Add lemon juice if skipping tomatoes (vitamin C helps absorb iron).
- Use fresh spinach for best flavor and texture.
- Don’t skip the garlic tadka—it takes the dish to another level!
Storage Suggestions
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days.
- Reheat with a splash of water on low flame.
- Not freezer-friendly due to curd.
FAQs
Q: Can I skip the curd or cream?
A: Yes, but adding either helps balance the flavors and improve texture.
Q: Is this recipe vegan?
A: Use oil instead of ghee and skip curd/cream or use plant-based alternatives.
Q: What can I use instead of chickpea flour?
A: All-purpose flour works as a substitute to give body to the curry.