Spinach (or palak) is perhaps one of the most consumed leafy vegetables across the country. So much so that you will find every region having its own unique spinach recipe that can make a wholesome main dish or a traditional snack. In Punjab, it is eaten as palak paneer and saag chicken, while in Bengal, it is famous as a vegetable (palak shaak torkari); and the list goes on. If you are looking for a unique spinach recipe, you must try the Taktala Palak from Maharashtra. This dish is quite easy to make at home and is also good for health. Learn more below.
What is Taktala Spinach?
Taktala Palak, sometimes also known as Palakchi Patal Bhaji, is a common Maharashtrian dish made from spinach. In this kadhi-like dish, palak (spinach) is cooked with chana dal, peanuts, gram flour, buttermilk and spices. Packed with essential nutrients and great flavours, Taktala Palak can be enjoyed in any season. It is best served with Bhakri/Roti or Rice.
Also read: How to Make Unique Restaurant-Special Lasuni Palak Paneer (Watch Recipe Video)
Is Taktala Spinach healthy? Know its main benefits:
Spinach is one of the most nutritious vegetables you can include in your diet.Photo Credit: iStock
1. Rich in nutrients
Spinach is a wonderful source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds. Consuming spinach can help improve bone health, heart health as well as gut health. Taktala Palak is made with several spices as well as chana dal, buttermilk, peanuts and gram flour. These ingredients further enhance the nutritional value of this dish.
2. Helps in weight loss
This dish contains high-fibre ingredients like spinach, chana dal and gram flour. It also does not contain any high-fat cream and requires less oil in its preparation. Thus, Taktala Palak can be a great addition to your weight loss diet. It can help keep you full and give you a sustained energy boost.
Also read: This Delicious Spinach Gravy from Kerala Takes Spinach to the Next Level
3. May Help Control Blood Sugar
Such high-fibre recipes can also be beneficial for diabetics. Spinach, chana dal, gram flour and buttermilk are all considered good for managing blood sugar.
How to make Taktala Palak | Easy and quick recipe for Maharashtrian Palak Kadhi
Prepare a smooth batter with gram flour, sour buttermilk, jaggery and spices. Cook soaked chana dal and peanuts with spinach, green chillies and water in a pressure cooker. Cook the gram flour batter in a pan and stir till it thickens. Later add the cooked spinach-dal mixture and mix well. Tadka of mustard seeds, cumin seeds and other ingredients to this dish.
Click here for the full recipe of Taktala Palak
Try this recipe the next time you cook spinach and let us know how you liked it.