Palakachi Patal Bhaji

Palak Bhaji

Maharashtrian Style Spinach Curry

Ingredients:
1 Bunch of Fresh Spinach
1/2 cup peanuts
1/2 cup Chana Dal
2-3 tbsp broken Cashew nuts (Optional)
For Tempering: 3-4 tbsp vegetable Oil, 1 tsp Mustard Seeds, 1/2 tsp Asafoetida, 1 tsp Turmeric Powder,
1/2 tsp Fenugreek Seeds (Optional)
2 tbsp Chickpea Flour
2-3 Green Chilies
2 tbsp Tamarind Pulp
1 to 1 & half tbsp Goda Masala
2 tbsp Grated Jaggery
Salt to taste



Method:
1) Soak peanuts and chana dal in the water for 7-8 hours. After that pressure cook peanuts and chana dal to 2-3 whistles. Add 1 and half tsp salt while pressure cooking.
2) Remove the stems from spinach and rinse the leaves well under running water. Drain. Chop the spinach leaves finely.
3) Take a frying pan. Heat 3 tbsp oil. Temper with mustard seeds, asafoetida, turmeric powder, then add chopped chilies, fenugreek seeds. Fry for 5-10 seconds. Turn the heat on medium and add chopped spinach. After couple of minutes, add chickpea flour and mash together with masher. Remove all lumps. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes.
4) Once spinach gets mashed properly add pressure cooked peanuts and chana dal. If you like, add some cashew nuts. Add Goda masala, little water, tamarind pulp, Jaggery and salt to taste. Give a nice stir and bring to boil.
Usually this Curry is little thick so add water only if needed.

Note:
1) You can put 2-3 garlic flakes while tempering to give a nice flavor of garlic.
Label:
Spinach curry, Indian spinach recipe, palak bhaji, palak recipe, healthy recipe