Palak- Podi Saadam/Spinach Spiced Rice

Spinach is rich in iron and minerals. I used to hate eating spinach as a kid although my mom used to make Parupu keerai which is yummy!! I finally found something that makes eating spinach a delight and is super simple to make.

A quick breakfast, lunch or evening snack!

Preparation Time: 20-30 mins
Ingredients:
Rice - 1 Cup
Palak - 1.5 Cups (chopped)

To Fry & Grind:
Channa dal- 2 table spoons
Urud Dal- 1 table spoon
Sesame seeds (white/black)- 1.5 tea spoon
Red Chillies (long variety)- 4
Fenugreek seeds- about 1/4 tea spoon (for flavour)
Black Peppercorn- 1 tea spoon
Cinnamon stick- 1 inch (optional)

Seasoning:
Mustard Seeds- 1 table spoon
Urud Dal- 1 tea spoon
Hing/Asafoetida- Pinch
Ground nuts- 2 table spoons
Oil- 1 table spoon
Ghee- 1 table spoon (optional)
Salt to taste.

1. Par boil rice and keep aside. You can use basmati rice if you like.
2. Chop Palak, wash well.
3. Fry all the ingredients (under "To Fry & Grind") and grind into coarse powder.
4. Heat pan, add about 1/2 tea spoon oil. Fry the chopped palak for 2 minutes.
5. Now add the ground spices in this pan with palak and fry until the palak turns very dark green. (In medium heat for about 3 - 4 minutes). Make sure this does not burn so you have to constantly keep stirring.
6. Remove from Flame.
7. In a different pan heat oil+ ghee- first fry the ground nuts. Keep it aside. Now fry the mustard, urud dal, and hing. 
8. Spread rice in a big plate or bowl, mix salt, seasoning and palak spice.

Enjoy with raitha and Papads!