Spinach also known as ‘Palak‘ in Hindi, ‘Pachchali Koora‘ or ‘Palakura‘ in Telugu, ‘Vashala Cheera‘ in Malayalam, ‘Pasalai Keerai‘ in Tamil, ‘Palang Sag‘ in Bengali is a green leafy vegetable which has a high nutritional value and has always been regarded as a plant with remarkable abilities to restore energy, increase vitality and improve the quality of the blood.
Made more popular among the masses by the famous "'Popeye the sailor" who would regain his energy by eating a can of spinach. Amazing benefits of eating spinach regularly will convince you to add it to your daily diet. Here are a few of them.
- Promotes heart health: Spinach is rich in iron. Iron plays a central role in the function of red blood cells which help in transporting oxygen around the body, in energy production and DNA synthesis. It contains nitrite that not only helps in preventing the occurrence of heart attack but also cures the heart diseases associated with fat deposition.
- Strengthens your bones:Spinach is also an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C and folate as well as being a good source of manganese, magnesium, iron and vitamin B2. Vitamin K is important for maintaining bone health and it is difficult to find vegetables richer in vitamin K than spinach.
- Strengthens your eyesight and immune system:The dark green colour of spinach leaves indicates they contain high levels of chlorophyll and health promoting carotenoids (beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin). These phyto chemicals have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous properties and are especially important for healthy eyesight, helping to prevent muscular degeneration and cataracts.
Spinach/ Palak are available throughout the year in India but is in season during the spring (March - June). When Buying Palak make sure you select medium to dark green, fresh-looking leaves. The leaves should not be wilting or showing signs of decay. Store spinach loosely packed in a sealed plastic bag or an airtight container for up to two to three days in the fridge. Do not wash spinach before storing.If cooking, opt for steaming or sauteing spinach rather than boiling to preserve the nutrients.
Spinach can pair very well with most dals, vegetables and meats and give a nice earthy flavour to the dishes.Here we have lined up some easy, tasty and healthy Indian Palak/ Spinach Recipes for your Breakfast, Lunch ,Dinner and Snacks . Try out these amazing, delicious recipes and let us know how you like it.
1. Palak Curries & Dal Recipes - North Indian
2. Palak Sabzi Recipes - North Indian
3. Palak Curries & Dal Recipes - South Indian
4. Palak Poriyal / Palya Recipes - South Indian
5. Palak Rice Recipes - Variety Rice, Biryani, Pulao, Khichdi
6. Palak Non Veg Recipes - Chicken, Mutton & Fish
7. Palak Breakfast Recipes - Roti & Paratha
8. Palak Snack Recipes
