Palaaku Annam / Spinach Rice for CCC

Hello Guys...

I am finally back in the food blogging world and hopefully will remain here (atleast for some time). We are settled in our new apartment with the usual hiccups now and then. I've been cooking lately and have been enjoying doing so. Especially when the food is appreciated and the dish is emptied.

One such dish is Spinach Rice. A simple rice dish which my mother and aunt eat when they fast. They make it with vegetables and avoid the onion, ginger and garlic.

Since we make it as a non fasting meal, they tweaked the recipe and told me this. Both my older and younger son like it. Its healthy, filling and easy to make. Only thing is, I used less spinach when I made this. Next time, I'll use double the quantity of spinach I used this time. I can foresee myself making this very often.

Ingredients

4 bunches  Spinach - washed well and chopped
1 cup Rice - washed and soaked in water for about 30 mins
1 Onion - chopped
2 Green Chilli - slit length wise
1 Tomato - chopped
8 to 10 Peppercorns - can be used whole or crushed
1 tsp Cumin Seeds
1 tsp Ginger Paste
1 tsp Garlic Paste
2 tbsp Oil
1.5 cups water

Method

1. Heat oil in a pressure cooker. Once its hot, add the Cumin Seeds and let them crackle.
2. Now add the Onions and Green Chilli and fry till the onions are translucent.
3. Add the Ginger and Garlic Pastes and fry till the raw smell goes.
4. Now add the Tomatoes and Peppercorns and cook till the tomatoes are soft.
5. Add the Spinach and fry till it starts to wilt.
6. Then add the rice and fry for 5 mins.
7. Now add the 1.5 cups of water and bring to boil.
8. Then mix well, cover and cook for 1 whistle.
9. Serve hot with Raita or on its own.

Note: I used Sona Masoori Rice. If using Basmati Rice, you might have to increase the water to 2 cups.

This joins the May Week 3 Cooking from Cookbook Challenge Group.