Spinach is one of those ingredients that always finds its way into my kitchen. It’s nutritious, cooks quickly, and works beautifully in so many Indian dishes. There are many spinach recipes in Indian cuisine, from comforting dals and creamy curries to flavorful stir-fries.
In this collection, you’ll find a delicious mix of Indian spinach recipes, from cozy dals to creamy curries and quick sides. These are easy dishes to help you add more greens to your everyday meals.
For a classic Indian spinach dish, start with Palak Paneer, Saag Paneer, or Dal Palak. For an easy weeknight meal, try Spinach Rice, Aloo Palak, or Black-eyed Peas Spinach Rice. If you want something snacky or kid-friendly, Palak Paratha, Palak Puri, and Spinach Pakora are great picks.
I usually use fresh spinach for bright green curries, while frozen spinach works well for dals, rice, and other side dishes. If using frozen spinach, thaw it and squeeze out extra water before adding it so the dish does not become too runny.
Mains: Curries, Dal, & Stir Fry
Palak Paneer
Palak Paneer is one of the most popular dishes from North India. It is made with spinach and firm Indian cottage cheese, cooked with ginger, garlic, onions, and aromatic spices. It is amazing served with roti or naan.
Get the Palak Paneer recipe.
Saag Aloo
Saag Aloo is a popular, delicious North Indian Curry. It is made with spinach and potatoes cooked with ginger, garlic, onions, and aromatic spices. This is a simplified one-pot version that takes just 30 minutes to prepare.
Get the Saag Aloo recipe.
Aloo Palak
Aloo Palak is a delicious and nutritious Indian potato & spinach stir fry. This Punjabi Aloo Palak recipe takes just 25 minutes to make and is perfect for a quick, nutritious weeknight dinner!
Get the Aloo Palak recipe.
Spinach Dal
Spinach Dal, also known as Dal Palak in India. This comforting lentil soup is enhanced with spinach for extra nutrition. It is so easy to make it in the pressure cooker. Enjoy it with basmati rice or as a soup.
Get the Spinach Dal recipe.
Saag Paneer
Saag Paneer is the authentic North Indian favorite. It is made with mustard leaves and spinach, seasoned with spices and cottage cheese, making it a delicious and nutritious dish. Make it in the Instant Pot for a quick and easy one-pot recipe.
Get the Saag Paneer recipe.
Chana Saag
This Spinach Chickpea Curry, also known as Chana Saag, is a vegan and gluten-free curry. This easy one-pot curry is made with chickpeas and spinach in a sauce of onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and aromatic spices. Serve it with rice, quinoa, or naan for a perfect weeknight dinner!
Get the Chana Saag recipe.
Chicken Saag
Instant Pot Chicken Saag (Chicken & Spinach Curry) is a delicious dish from northern India. Chicken is cooked in a creamy spinach sauce spiced with aromatic Indian spices, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Get the Chicken Saag recipe.
Palak Tofu
Lightly fried tofu in a creamy spinach sauce, cooked in an onion-tomato base with aromatic spices. This is a dairy-free and gluten-free recipe. You can try this curry with sweet corn instead of tofu, a great variation to this recipe.
Get the Palak Tofu recipe.
Butternut Squash Curry with Spinach
This Butternut Squash Curry is a creamy vegan curry loaded with squash, coconut milk, and spinach. This cozy and comforting curry is perfect for Fall dinners!
Get the Butternut Squash Spinach Curry recipe.
Side Dishes
Spinach Rice
This spinach rice is the kind of simple one-pot meal I love for busy nights. It is colorful, comforting, and pairs well with yogurt or a quick raita.
Get the Spinach Rice recipe.
Black-eyed Peas Spinach Rice
One-pot Black-Eyed Peas and Spinach Rice is an easy, wholesome dish perfect for weeknight meals.
Get the Black-eyed Peas Spinach Rice recipe.
Palak Paratha
Whole wheat palak paratha (or spinach paratha) is a wholesome and delicious unleavened Indian flatbread that is perfect for any time of the day. Serve these spinach rotis as a side dish with any curry, raita, and pickles for breakfast or snacks!
Get the Palak Paratha recipe.
Palak Puri
Whole wheat puris with the goodness of spinach! This deep-fried spinach puri pairs well with any Indian curry, such as Aloo Rasedar or Chana Masala.
Get the Palak Puri recipe.
Soup & Appetizers
Lentil Soup
This comforting lentil soup is a wholesome way to add spinach to a simple dal-style meal. It is packed with brown lentils, vegetables, and warming spices, making it perfect to enjoy on its own as a soup.
Get the Lentil Soup recipe.
Spinach Pakora
Palak Pakora is a popular Indian snack made by dipping spinach leaves in a spiced gram flour batter and deep-frying them. These crispy, flavorful fritters are perfect for an evening tea snack, especially on a rainy day.
Get the Spinach Pakora recipe.
