11 Healthy Spinach Recipes | Palak Recipes

A selection of heart-warming spinach recipes that bring international flavours on to your plate. Here's how to use a traditional ingredient in unconventional ways.

Spinach, or palak, has never been on my list of favourites. As a child, the best part of my day would be to come back from school and run straight into the kitchen to find some of my best loved dishes cooked for lunch. But then, there were days when I would uncover the the serving bowl to find palak saag staring back at me. I detested it; I remember swallowing mouthfuls of it in helplessness. I don't attempt here the brutal massacre of the gastronomic brilliance that spinach is capable of. On the contrary, I am trying to draw your attention to the fact that monotony kills the many opportunities of using an ingredient to the fullest. Most regular ingredients - by regular I mean, widely available and most consumed ones - are cooked the same way again and again and again to an extent that almost everyone - save the adamant cook probably - gets bored of it. Spinach is a wonderful ingredient to cook with. It is great for health, full of flavour and can add so much drama and colour to your plate. Our spinach recipes come with a dash of culinary innovation and experimentation.

This article aims at unveiling a world of mouthwatering delicacies that are spinach-centered and make it the undisputed hero on your dinner table like Spinach Pancake, Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli, Spanakopita and Chicken Breast Stuffed with Spinach and many more with key ingredients and how to make process. But before we go ahead and let you master the tricks of the trade, here's why you should be including spinach in your regular diet.

_{Spinach is a wonderful ingredient to cook with. It is great for health, full of flavour and can add so much drama and colour to your plate.}

Health Benefits of Spinach

Low in fat, aids in weight loss

Low in cholesterol

Rich in dietary fibre

Rich in magnesium, Vitamin A, C, E, K, calcium, iron, folic acid, potassium and thiamin

Improves blood quality

Good for bone health

Facilitates proper functioning of red blood cells in body

Good for hair, eyes and skin

How to Buy and Store Spinach

Opt for the bright green leaves that look crisp and fresh. Avoid any discoloration, blemishes or bruises. Look out for pest, insect or worm infestation. Store them packed loosely in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Wash the veggie only before cooking, storing washed spinach will cause it to spoil due to excess moisture. Also, note that spinach has lot of water content, hence cooking it will reduce its size. The best way to enjoy spinach without draining out its nutrients is to saute, stir fry or steam it.

Noted all of the above? Then put on your aprons and cook something delicious with those bright green leaves tonight, we've got you plenty of options from all across the globe.

_{The best way to enjoy spinach without draining out its nutrients is to saute, stir fry or steam it. Image credits: iStock}

Here Are Best 11 Spinach Recipes, Or Palak Recipes, For You To Try:

1. Crispy Spinach

Enjoy a smoky flavour loaded with crunch. Spinach leaves cooked crispy and teamed with fresh red chillies.

_{Pair this recipe with a healthy juice and your morning or evening healthful snack. Image credits: iStock}

Comments2. Spinach Pancake

Cook up a wholesome wholewheat pancake stuffed with the goodness of cheese and mushrooms.

_{Invite your friends over your place and treat them with these yummy delights along with mixed-fruit juice.}

3. Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli

Tender ricotta ravioli stuffed with spinach.

_{Serve with a simple sauce or just toss in olive oil and garlic so as not to overwhelm the spinach and cheese flavor of the pasta. Image credits: iStock}