Spinach Rice with Frozen Spinach

Last Updated on May 11, 2024 by Babita

Spinach rice from frozen spinach is vegetarian, vegan, healthy, and full of flavor recipe. It is a delicious recipe that is easy, quick, and you can make in under 20 mins.

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About the recipe

Spinach rice is known as palak chawal in Hindi. It is a recipe I came up with for my busy days. This recipe is for days when my kids have after-school activities like games, concerts, rehearsals, etc., and I don’t have time to cook a proper dinner (see video below in the recipe card).

You can make this one-pot spinach rice recipe in a rice cooker, an Instant Pot as well as a pressure cooker. The steps are the same. The only difference is the amount of rice to water ratio. Check out below for instructions on how to make it in three different pots.

Ingredients for Spinach Rice

Frozen Spinach: this recipe requires frozen spinach for ease and convenience. If you don’t have frozen spinach, you can substitute it with fresh spinach.

Rice: I have used basmati rice for this recipe. I have also tried it with parboiled long grain rice. It works well with both of them.

Mustard seeds: is used for tempering and adding flavor.

Curry Leaves: is also used to temper and add flavor to the recipe.

Onion: I used red onion for this recipe. However, you can substitute it with yellow onion.

Green Chili: I liked to used fresh green chili for this recipe. The quantity of chili will depend on how spicy you want this recipe to be.

Turmeric: is a necessary ingredient in Indian recipes. It adds flavor and color to this recipe.

Salt: is always as per taste.

Oil: I use canola oil for this recipe. You can use any oil that does not have an aroma or flavor.

Check out more Vegetarian Recipes

• Easy Palak Daal
• Tofu Bhurji
• Collard Greens with Black Eyed Peas

How to Make Spinach Rice from Frozen Spinach

• Remove a packet of frozen spinach from the freezer and allow it to thaw at room temperature for 2 hours.
• Wash and drain the rice and set it aside.
• Heat oil in a rice cooker. Add mustard seeds. Once they stop spluttering, add the curry leaves.
• Add onion and green chili. Saute for a couple of seconds.
• Add rice and saute it for a few seconds.
• Next, add spinach, salt, turmeric powder, and water.
• Stir all of them well.
• Press the rice cooker button and cook for 12 mins.
• Serve with some spicy pickle, tomato chutney, or yogurt on the side.

How to Cook Spinach Rice in Instant Pot

• Set the instant pot in saute mode. Add oil and allow it to heat.
• Add mustard seeds. Once they stop spluttering add the curry leaves.
• Add onion and green chili. Saute them for a couple of seconds.
• Add rice and saute it for a couple of seconds.
• Next, add spinach, salt, turmeric powder, and water. The ratio of water is different for Instant pot. For 2 cups of rice, use 3.5 cups of water.
• Stir them well.
• Cancel the saute mode. Cook on rice mode until done.

To cook the Rice in a Pressure Cooker

• Add oil to the cooker and allow it to heat.
• Add mustard seeds. Once they stop spluttering add the curry leaves.
• Add onion and green chili. Saute them for a couple of seconds.
• Add rice and saute it for a few seconds.
• Next, add spinach, salt, turmeric powder, and water. The ratio of water is different for a pressure cooker. For 2 cups of rice, use 4 cups of water.
• Stir them well.
• Cover with lid and cook on high for 10 mins or until 3 whistles.