Makai Palak / Sweet Corn in Spinach Gravy Recipe

We all know that colors add energy and vibrancy into our lives. A bad mood can be changed simply by wearing bright colored clothes or accessories . Same is the case with food. A colorful plate is not only appealing to the eyes but is full of antioxidants and healthy nutrients. Best way to add colors to our daily meals is by including dark leafy vegetables in our diet. Green leafy vegetables are typically low in calories and fat and high in protein per calorie, dietary fiber, vitamin C, pro-vitamin A carotenoids , folate , manganese and vitamin K. They are nutrient-dense and  vital source of antioxidants.  

#Leafygreens is the theme for our #113th #FoodieMondayBlogHop and Makai Palak is my contribution towards this lovely theme. Do check out my fellow bloggers post as well for some wonderful ides and recipes on this theme.

                               

Makai Palak is a delicious gravy dish in which fresh corn kernels are cooked in a creamy spinach gravy. The sweetness of the corn compliments very well with the mildly spiced spinach gravy. This flavorful and healthy curry goes well with jeera rice or chapati / naan and is one of the best ways to feed the fussy eaters with spinach.

The base for the spinach gravy is a simple onion tomato puree .The boiled fresh corn are simmered in the spinach gravy. The added fresh cream gives a nice rich flavor and texture to the gravy. 

  Preparation time : 15 minutes

  Cooking time: 15 minutes

  Serves : 4

  Ingredients:

• 250 grams spinach (Palak)
• 250 grams sweet corn kernels (makai)
• 1 green chilly
• 1/2 inch ginger piece
• 3-4 cloves of garlic
• 2 onions, 
• 2 tomatoes
• 1/4-1/2 cup fresh cream 
• 1/4 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves )
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoon ghee / oil

Method:

1. Clean the spinach greens (leaves and tender stems) and wash thoroughly under running water.

 2. Heat 2-3 cups of water in a large sauce pan. Add salt to it. Once it starts boiling add the washed spinach greens and lower the flame. Allow the leaves to cook for 2-3 minutes in the hot water. Put off the flame.

  3. Immediately transfer the spinach greens to another bowl of water with ice cubes. This steps stops the further cooking of the spinach leaves and also ensures the spinach retains its lush green color.

  4. Meanwhile wash and boil the sweet corn kernels with little salt for 4-5 minutes either in a sauce pan or in a microwave. I have boiled in a microwave.

  5. Transfer the spinach greens to a grinder jar along with green chili and make a smooth puree. You may add little water while doing so. Also make paste of onions by grinding them. Keep aside. Take ginger and garlic cloves and make their paste.

  6.  Heat oil or ghee in a sauce pan. Add kasuri methi followed by cumin seeds. Once the cumin seeds crackle, add the garlic ginger paste and fry until there is no more raw smell.

  7. Add the onion paste and saute well for 2-3 minutes. Be patient in this step or the gravy will have the raw onion taste. Next add tomato raw tomato puree and stir fry for another 2-3 minutes or until the paste leaves the sides of the pan.

  8. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder and garam masala and fry the mixture for 1 minute or so on low flame.

  9. Add spinach puree and mix well.  Let the gravy cook for few minutes.

  10. Now add the fresh cream and give a quick stir. I have used home made malai. Add salt to the gravy. Mix well.

  11. Add the boiled sweet corn kernels to the curry and allow it to boil. Simmer the gravy for 2-3 minutes more and put off the flame,

  12. Serve the gravy with jeera rice or chapati /naan and enjoy !

  I hope you wold love to try out this easy yet flavorful and healthy spinach corn curry. If you do so, please feel free to share your valuable feedback with us.

For more green leafy vegetable curry recipes , do check my posts on

• Sarso Ka Saag



Sarso Ka Saag

• Methi Matar Malai



Methi Matar Malai



• Palak Paneer



Palak Paneer

• Spring Onion Curry



Spring Onion Curry



• Chane ka Saag




                                                                     Chane Ka Saag                                                             

•       Fenugreek Leaves Curry       

Fenugreek Leaves Curry