Chicken Palak Recipe Pakistani – Flavour Stories (2024)

Today I brought this article for you where we will discuss everything about the Palak Chicken recipe from its introduction, benefits, cooking method, and serving tips.

I will also answer a few questions that come to mind of most people about this recipe and I am also ready to hear questions from you.

So, let’s dive into:

What is Chicken Palak?

Chicken Palak, also known as Spinach Chicken, is a hearty and vibrant dish treasured in Pakistani cuisine.

This delectable creation involves tender cuts of chicken simmered with pureed spinach and a blend of aromatic spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala.

The result is a dish that offers a perfect balance of rich, earthy flavors and nutrition.

The cultural significance of Chicken Palak in Pakistan cannot be overstated.

It’s a dish that marries the traditional use of spices, which are the cornerstone of Pakistani cooking, with local and seasonal produce like spinach.

In many households, it’s prepared with a sense of heritage and familial pride, often enjoyed with flatbread or rice, making it a comforting staple during meal times.

Essential Ingredients

To prepare a sumptuous Chicken Palak, you’ll need the following primary ingredients:

• Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, depending on preference.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach leaves are ideal; however, frozen spinach can be a convenient alternative.
• Onions & Garlic: These aromatics form the base flavor; local farmers’ markets often offer organically grown options.
• Tomatoes: Freshly diced for tanginess, or tomato paste for a more concentrated flavor.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a warm, spicy note.
• Garam Masala & Cumin: Essential spices that can be sourced from local spice shops for freshness.
• Yogurt: Adds creaminess; choose locally produced dairy for the best quality.

Locally Sourced Suggestions

Whenever possible, sourcing ingredients locally can enhance the flavor and contribute to sustainable practices:

• Chicken: Look for local butchers and farms that offer free-range options.
• Spinach: Farmer’s markets and community-supported agriculture (CSA) can provide fresh, organic leaves.
• Aromatics & Spices: Ethnic markets or local spice shops may offer high-quality and fresher alternatives.

Variations and Substitutes for Dietary Requirements

To accommodate various dietary restrictions, consider the following swaps:

• For a vegetarian version: Use tofu or paneer instead of chicken.
• For a dairy-free recipe: Coconut milk can replace yogurt to maintain creaminess.
• For gluten-free diets: Make sure all spices are pure and uncontaminated by gluten-containing products.
• For a vegan variation: Along with tofu as a substitute for chicken, use plant-based yogurt alternatives. Add extra vegetables such as bell peppers or cauliflower for added texture and flavor.

Chicken Palak Recipe Pakistani

Recipe by JenniferCourse: DinnerDifficulty: Easy

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

50

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

See Also

Grilled hispi, Turkish cauliflower and coconut kale: Yotam Ottolenghi’s brassica recipes

Total time

1

hour

10

minutes

This delectable creation involves tender cuts of chicken simmered with pureed spinach and a blend of aromatic spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1 inch ginger, grated

• 2 cups spinach (palak), blanched and pureed

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 1 tsp garam masala

• 1 tsp coriander powder

• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder

• 1/2 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)

• Salt to taste

• Water as needed

• Fresh cream for garnish (optional)

• Lemon wedges for serving

Directions

• Heat the oil in a pan and add the cumin seeds, allowing them to sizzle.
• Add the onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
• Incorporate the ginger and garlic into the mixture and fry for a couple of minutes.
• Mix in the turmeric, coriander powder, and red chili powder, sautéing for a minute.
• Place the chicken pieces in the pan, season with salt, and cook until all sides are golden brown.
• Pour in just enough water to cover the chicken, bring to a boil, then simmer until the chicken is cooked through.
• Stir in the spinach puree and garam masala, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes.
• For a richer flavor, swirl in some fresh cream before serving.
• Serve hot with a side of basmati rice or naan, and garnish with lemon wedges.

Recipe Video

Ways to Customize Your Curry

5. Add extra veggies: Along with the spinach, try adding other seasonal vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, or mushrooms.
6. Experiment with different protein options: Tofu, paneer, chickpeas, lentils, or tempeh can all be used instead of chicken.
7. Adjust spice level: For a spicier curry, add more red chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes. To make it milder, reduce the amount of these spices or use a mild chili powder.
8. Serve with different accompaniments: Instead of rice, try serving your curry with quinoa or naan bread. You can also top it with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or basil, for added flavor.
9. Use homemade spice blends: Create your curry powder blend using a variety of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. This allows you to adjust the flavors and create a unique taste for your dish.

Tips for Cooking Chicken to Perfection

• Ensure the chicken is at room temperature before cooking to cook evenly.
• Sear the chicken on high heat to lock in the juices and then cook on low heat to keep it tender.
• Avoid overcooking, as it can make the chicken tough and dry.
• Cutting the chicken into uniform pieces can help it cook more consistently.

Wrapping Up

So it was the recipe for the Chicken Palak in Pakistani style which we brought to you after a deep research and testing.

We would love to hear from you which versions of the Palak Chicken you have tried and if you have some other unique ideas related to this recipe.