Spinach pilaf

Discover the mouthwatering flavors of our Spinach Pilaf. This easy-to-make recipe features fragrant basmati rice infused with ground cumin and turmeric, cooked to perfection in savory chicken gravy. Topped with crispy garlic slices and fresh spinach, this pilaf brings a delightful crunch and vibrant color to your dinner table. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive side dish!

  • 06 Apr 2025
  • Cook time 35 min
  • Prep time 10 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 9 Ingredients

Spinach pilaf

Crispy Garlic-Topped Cumin and Spinach Pilaf is a delectable dish that combines fragrant basmati rice with the aromatic flavors of cumin and turmeric, enhanced by the freshness of spinach. This recipe is topped with crispy garlic for an added crunch, making it a perfect side dish or main course.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp butter
16g
1 onion
160g
1 tsp ground cumin
5g
1 tsp turmeric powder
5g
1 cup basmati rice
200g
3 cups chicken gravy
600g
3 cups spinach
90g
2 tbsp olive oil
27g
2 garlic cloves
6g

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:
- Finely chop the onion.
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Roughly chop the spinach if using large leaves.
- Thinly slice the garlic cloves.
2. Cook the Onion and Spices:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until it softens and turns golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the ground cumin and turmeric powder, and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Cook the Rice:
- Add the rinsed basmati rice to the skillet and stir to coat the grains with the butter and spices.
- Pour in the chicken gravy and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until the rice is cooked and has absorbed all the liquid.
4. Add Spinach:
- When the rice is nearly done, gently fold in the chopped spinach.
- Cover the skillet again and let the spinach wilt for about 2-3 minutes.
- Once wilted, fluff the rice with a fork to combine evenly.
5. Prepare Crispy Garlic:
- While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a small separate pan over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced garlic cloves and cook until they become golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Be careful not to burn them; stir occasionally to ensure even browning.
- Remove the crispy garlic slices with a slotted spoon and drain them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
6. Serve:
- Transfer the cumin and spinach pilaf to a serving dish.
- Sprinkle the crispy garlic slices on top as a finishing touch.
- Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful and aromatic pilaf!

Tips:

- Use high-quality basmati rice for a fluffier and more aromatic pilaf.

- For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken gravy with vegetable broth.

- Ensure the garlic is thinly sliced for a crispier texture when frying.

- Add the spinach towards the end of the cooking process to retain its vibrant green color and nutrients.

- Let the pilaf rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to fully absorb the liquids.

Crispy Garlic-Topped Cumin and Spinach Pilaf is a delightful, aromatic dish that is both nutritious and satisfying. The combination of cumin and turmeric with basmati rice and spinach creates a perfect harmony of flavors, while the crispy garlic topping adds a flavorful crunch. This recipe is easy to prepare and sure to become a favorite.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size280 grams
Energy
Calories 200kcal10%
Protein
Protein 3.87g3%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 27g8%
Fiber 1.93g5%
Sugar 3.00g3%
Fat
Fat 14g17%
Saturated 3.73g12%
Cholesterol 16mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 100ug11%
Choline 16mg3%
Vitamin B1 0.16mg14%
Vitamin B2 0.15mg11%
Vitamin B3 1.41mg9%
Vitamin B6 0.21mg12%
Vitamin B9 63ug16%
Vitamin B12 0.00ug0%
Vitamin C 10mg12%
Vitamin E 0.73mg5%
Vitamin K 110ug92%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 60mg4%
Copper, Cu 0.13mg14%
Iron, Fe 2.63mg24%
Magnesium, Mg 44mg10%
Phosphorus, P 90mg7%
Potassium, K 310mg9%
Selenium, Se 4.64ug8%
Sodium, Na 610mg41%
Zinc, Zn 0.68mg6%
Water
Water 230g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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