Besan ka palak

Today my recipe is besan ka palak. This is a famous North Indian recipe. I learned it from my north Indian friend.This is very healthy and tasty too. I tried it and taste was yummy. Recipe process is very interesting to make and simple too. Besan ka palak is completely based on steam cooking so I preferred to make it. It has both protein rich basin (chickpea flour) and iron rich palak(spinach).
  Basin (chickpea flour) is quite low in saturated fat and sodium, is an excellent source of total folates and manganese, and is a good source of protein, dietary fiber and copper.  
         Spinach is a rich source of vitamin A and reduces the risk of eye diseases.  
Spinach is also rich in potassium and low in sodium.The amount of folate present in spinach also reduces hypertension.  Another important mineral, iron, which is found abundantly in spinach, is known to reproduce red blood cells, thereby preventing chances of anemia. The same iron is also useful for boosting the body’s metabolism, leading to more fat burning and giving way to reduce weight.  
It is advisable for pregnant women to include spinach in their regular diet as folate found in it is needed by the growing fetus for development of a new nervous system. Also, vitamin A present in spinach is required for the lung development of the fetus as well as during breast feeding. 
Any how both besan and palak is good combination to maintain good health. I hope you try it and be healthy..............
 

 Ingredients: 

Besan (Chickpea Flour ) - 1/2 cup  
Spinach (palak), chopped - 1 cup 
Jeera - 1/2 tsp 
Red chilli powder - 1 tsp
Onion paste - 4tbsp 
Tomato puree - 3 tbsp 
Ginger-garlic paste - 1 tsp 
Dhania-jeera powder - 1 tsp 
Coriander leaves - few
Salt to taste 
Oil - 3 tsp 

Method of preparation:

Combine besan, palak (spinach), salt, red chilli powder and 1 tbsp oil with water and knead to a smooth dough. Shape into lemon sized balls and keep it aside.

 Boil water in a deep pot, add the balls and simmer till cooked. Drain the water and keep the cooked besan palak balls in a plate.
 

 In a small pan, heat ½ tbsp oil, add jeera and fry till it browns. Add ginger-garlic paste and saute for a few seconds.
Add onion paste and fry until it browns and add tomato puree and saute it for 2 minutes.
Add red chilli powder and dhania - jeera power and mix well.
Now add besan-palak balls and mix well. Add 1/4 cup water and cover and cook for few minutes.

Finally add salt and coriander leaves and mix well and remove from flame.
Now yummy and healthy besan ka palak is ready to eat with steamed rice or roti.