Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering adventure through the heart of Bihar's incredible cuisine with this tantalizing spinach recipe that promises to revolutionize how you think about leafy greens! Imagine a dish so flavorful, so aromatic, that it turns ordinary spinach into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. This authentic Bihari-style preparation isn't just a side dish – it's a celebration of bold spices, traditional cooking techniques, and the rich gastronomic heritage of eastern India.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Bihari
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g spinach
- 2 tbsp mustard oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 2-3 green chilies
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by washing the spinach thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or grit. Once cleaned, drain the spinach and set it aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of mustard oil in a large pan over medium heat. Allow the oil to heat until it starts to shimmer, indicating that it's hot enough for cooking.
- Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds to the hot oil. Sauté the cumin seeds for about 30 seconds or until they start to crackle and release their aroma.
- Next, add the chopped onion to the pan. Sauté the onions for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and slightly golden.
- Incorporate the minced garlic and the green chilies (slit or chopped, depending on your spice preference) into the pan. Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
- Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and salt to taste. Mix well to combine all the ingredients and cook for an additional minute, allowing the spices to blend.
- Add the washed spinach to the pan. Stir well to coat the spinach with the spices and onion mixture. The spinach will begin to wilt quickly.
- Cover the pan with a lid and let the spinach cook for about 5-7 minutes on low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Once the spinach is fully cooked and has reduced in volume, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If desired, you can add a splash of water to prevent the dish from drying out.
- Remove the pan from heat and transfer the cooked spinach to a serving dish. Serve hot with rice or chapati for a delicious Bihari meal.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Spinach: Always select crisp, vibrant green spinach leaves for the best flavor and nutrition.
- Master the Mustard Oil: Authentic Bihari cooking relies on mustard oil's unique flavor. Heat it until it just starts to smoke for maximum taste.
- Spice Control: Adjust green chili quantity to match your heat tolerance – the beauty of this recipe is its flexibility.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Cook spinach on low heat to preserve its nutrients and prevent burning.
- Don't Overcook: Spinach should retain a slight bite and vibrant green color. Overcooking will make it mushy and dull.
- Optional Garnish: For an extra touch, consider garnishing with a squeeze of lemon or some fresh chopped coriander leaves before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
