Looking for a quick and flavorful way to use leftover basmati rice? This Indian Spinach Rice, also known as Palak Pulao, is a one-pan dish packed with fresh spinach and traditional Indian spices. If you want to learn how to cook perfectly fluffy rice that's ideal for dishes like this, check my Basmati Rice 101 guide for soaking, cooking, and storage tips.
This is my go-to recipe for busy days. I often pair it with a quick Instant Pot dal or raita, and it's always a hit in lunchboxes.
How I Make Leftover Rice Taste Fresh and Flavorful
This Indian Spinach Rice is a quick and flavorful way to use leftover basmati rice. Ready in under 30 minutes and made in one pot, it's ideal for busy weekdays or lunchboxes. Packed with fresh spinach and infused with Indian spices, you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or protein.
I often cook rice like pasta for everyday dinners, and the draining method helps keep the grains long and fluffy. If you're new to cooking basmati rice or want to improve, start with my Basmati Rice Water Ratio Calculator & Guide or see How to Rinse and Soak Basmati Rice for fluffier, non-sticky grains every time.
Happy Cooking!
-Sravanthi
Detailed Steps
This is how I make spinach rice at home:
Step 1: Blend spinach, mint (if using), cilantro, green chilies, cumin, garlic, and ginger into a smooth or slightly coarse paste. Add water if needed.
Step 2: Heat the oil, then add the bay leaf and star anise. Let them sizzle for 30 seconds. And add sliced onions.
Step 3: Sauté sliced onions until soft and translucent.
Step 4: Add the spinach paste and cook for 5-7 minutes until the raw smell goes away.
Step 5: Add salt, garam masala, and turmeric, and mix them well.
Step 6: Add cooked veggies. Add paneer, tofu, or chickpeas if using. I steamed veggies using an Instant Pot.
Step 7: Gently fold in the cooked rice until well combined. Cover and steam on low for 3-5 minutes.
Step 8: Fluff with a spatula and serve hot, garnished with cilantro or lemon juice.
Recipe
Indian Spinach Rice (Palak Pulao) Using Leftover Rice
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Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked basmati rice 1 cup raw rice, cook and cool it.
- 3 cups spinach roughly chopped and tightly packed
- ¼ cup cilantro leaves optional
- ¼ cup mint leaves optional
- 1 cup cooked veggies I used steamed carrots and beans, optional
- ½ cup onion sliced
- ½ teaspoon garam masala powder
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 star anise
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2 green chili
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 inch ginger roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Make the Paste: Blend spinach, mint (if using), cilantro, green chilies, cumin seeds, garlic, and ginger into a coarse or smooth paste. Add 1-2 tablespoon water only if needed.3 cups spinach, ¼ cup cilantro leaves, ¼ cup mint leaves, ½ teaspoon cumin seeds, 2 green chili, 4 garlic cloves, 1 inch ginger
- Sauté Whole Spices: Heat oil in a large pan or kadai. Add bay leaf and star anise. Let them sizzle for 30 seconds.1 bay leaf, 2 tablespoon oil, 2 star anise
- Cook Onions: Add sliced onions and sauté until soft and translucent (3-5 minutes).½ cup onion
- Add Spinach Paste: Add the prepared paste and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the raw smell disappears.
- Add Spices & Veggies: Stir in salt, garam masala, and turmeric. Add steamed veggies now, along with paneer, tofu, or chickpeas if using. Mix gently.1 cup cooked veggies, ½ teaspoon garam masala powder, ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon salt
- Fold in Rice: Add cooked rice and gently mix until everything is well combined without breaking the grains.4 cups cooked basmati rice
- Steam for Flavor: Cover the pan and steam the rice on low heat for 3-5 minutes.
- Fluff & Serve: Turn off the heat, fluff with a fork or spatula, and garnish with cilantro or lemon juice.
Notes
Tested Tips from My Kitchen
- Use day-old rice for best texture. It will soak the flavors well and won't turn mushy.
- Adjust the spice by reducing or deseeding the green chilies as needed.
- A spoonful of ghee stirred in at the end adds richness and aroma; skip if you need a vegan recipe.
- Leftover Spinach Saag works well as a base instead of fresh spinach paste.
Nutrition
Tried this Spinach Rice recipe? I'd love to hear how it turned out for you! Let me know in the comments if you made any changes or paired it with your favorite curry. Your feedback not only helps me, but also helps other readers trying the recipe.
If you enjoyed this, be sure to try my other Indian spinach-based dishes, including Chana Saag, Aloo Palak, and Spinach Dal. Each one is simple, flavorful, and perfect for everyday meals. If you love this recipe, you will love my leftover basmati rice ideas, and turn your leftover rice into a delicious meal!
If you find my kitchen-tested tips helpful, click the button to see more of my recipes first when you search on Google!
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