Palak Kafuli - By Chef Subodh Upadhyay

Palak Kafuli is a delicious traditional vegetarian dish from the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is a popular and nutritious dish made with spinach (palak) and yogurt (dahi), along with a blend of spices. Kafuli is a term used to describe a thick and creamy texture that is the characteristic of this dish.

Ingredients:

- Fresh Washed & Chopped Spinach (Palak) - 2 bunches

- Yogurt (Dahi) - 1 cup

- Rice Flour or Wheat Flour - 1/2 cup

- Finely Chopped Green Chillies - 2-3 Nos.

- Cumin Seeds - 1 tsp

- Mustard Seeds - 1 tsp

- Turmeric Powder - 1 tsp

- Red Chilli Powder (optional) - 1/2 tsp

- Salt to taste

- Ghee or Mustard Oil - 2 tbsp

- Water as needed

Instructions:

1. Heat a large pot of water and bring it to a boil. Add the chopped spinach leaves and blanch them for about 2-3 minutes. Drain the spinach and rinse it under cold water to retain its green color. Set aside.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt and rice flour or wheat flour. Whisk it well to ensure there are no lumps.

3. Heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Allow them to splutter.

4. Add the chopped green chillies and sauté for a minute until they release their aroma.

5. Reduce the heat to low and add the yogurt-besan mixture to the pan. Stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming.

6. Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly.

7. Now, add the blanched spinach to the pan and mix well with the yogurt-besan mixture. Stir in turmeric powder, red chilli powder (if using), and salt to taste.

8. Add water as needed to achieve the desired consistency. Kafuli is usually thicker than a soup but thinner than a curry, so adjust the water accordingly.

9. Increase the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to blend together and the spinach to cook completely.

10. Once the Palak Kafuli is cooked and the flavors have melded, remove it from the heat.

11. Serve hot with steamed rice or roti (Indian bread). It can be garnished with fried red chillies.

12. Enjoy the delicious and healthy Palak Kafuli!