Kale & Spinach Potato rice

Kale & Spinach Potato rice

Ingredients:

Fresh Kale – 2 bunches, finely chopped

Fresh Spinach – 1 bunch, finely chopped

Potato – 1 medium size, cubed

Red tomatoes – 2 medium size, finely chopped

Red onions – 2 small size, finely chopped

Green peas – 1/4 cup

Ginger garlic paste – 1.5 tsp

Turmeric powder – 1 tsp

Coriander powder – 1/4 tbsp

Red chilli powder – 1/2 tbsp

Coconut powder – 3/4 tbsp

Garam masala powder – 1/2 tsp

Biryani masala powder – 3/4 tsp

Mustard seeds – 1 tsp

Curry leaves – 3 sprigs

Salt as per taste

Oil for sauteing

Rice – 2 cups, rinsed and pre-soaked in 3.5 cups of water for 20 minutes

Instructions:

        Add sufficient oil into a pressure cooker and heat it. When the oil is hot add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add curry leaves and let them sizzle. Now, add chopped onions and saute. When the onions are half done add chopped tomatoes and saute. Add salt and mix well. Adding salt helps to cook the onions and tomatoes faster. Add green peas, potatoes and saute until the tomatoes get mushy.

       Now, add coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chilli powder and mix well. Add garam masala powder, biryani masala powder, ginger garlic paste and mix well. Add coconut powder and mix well. Add chopped coriander leaves, mint leaves and saute until they wilt. Add chopped spinach, kale and mix well. Do not worry if the leaves cover the entire container. When they start wilting the portion reduces. Cook this under medium flame until you notice a layer of oil on the surface of the container. This means that the spices are roasted well. 

       Now, add soaked rice and mix well for 10 seconds. This helps to retain the texture of the rice grain even after cooking. Add the remaining soaked water and mix well. Close the lid and pressure cook for 2 to 3 whistles. Switch OFF the flame and let it cool down further for 10 to 15 minutes. Now, open the lid and gently mix the rice. You would notice that the rice grains are separated and are not sticking to each other. Quick and tasty Kale & Spinach Potato rice is now ready. Scoop out small portions into a clean plate and serve hot with onion or cucumber raita.

       Kale contains fiber, antioxidants, calcium, vitamins C and K, iron, and a wide range of other nutrients that can help prevent various health problems. You may savour this vitamin and fibre rich food for breakfast, lunch, snacks or dinner. This delicious spicy rice is my kids favorite and they savour it without any complaints. This is a great dish especially for picky eaters. The crunchy texture of kale leaves and the sweet bite of a potato makes it a wonderful combination and keeps you going.

       Looking at my kids liking for this dish, i started growing Kale and Spinach in my terrace garden. They are very easy to grow, pest free and therefore free from chemicals. They grow round the clock which makes it more preferred choice for urban growers and busy people. You don’t need to run to the super market for fresh greens and wonder if they are safe for consumption. Grow them right under the comfort of your home in a tiny balcony space or terrace and create wonderful cuisines with your magical fingers. Do try out and let me know your comments.