Spinach (Palak) Chicken Curry

Honestly, we usually prefer fresh spinach in salads, and rarely cook it, as boiled spinach was not a familiar taste. However, this dish is a fantastic blend of flavors,  delicious, healthy, and sure to please your family.

Since discovering this Indian spinach chicken curry, I've made it about three times, and each time, there are no leftovers. Now, having frozen spinach on hand is a must, especially in winter, for its convenience.

Palak Murgh, as it's known in Indian cuisine, is a popular dish in Indian restaurants. This recipe, sourced from an Indian chef's cookbook, has been slightly adapted for European tastes.

Don't forget—the best way to serve this curry is with basmati rice, though it's also delightful with potatoes, pasta, or couscous.

Ingredients
Chicken breast
600 g
or boneless chicken leg
Frozen spinach
300 g
or fresh
White onion
1 piece
   
Garlic cloves
6 pieces
   
Chilli pepper
1 piece
optional
Fresh shredded ginger
1 tsp
   
Heavy cream (32% fat)
3 tbsp
   
Curcuma/turmeric
0.25 tsp
a quarter teaspoon, you can optionally add a little more paprika
Ground coriander
0.5 tsp
   
Cumin
0.25 tsp
grounded
Sunflower oil
1 tbsp
plus optional 1 tablespoon butter
Salt
1 tbsp
to taste
Step by step
Step 1

Prepare all the ingredients in advance:

- Dice the onion, mince the garlic, shred the ginger into small pieces, and chop the pepper.

Spinach (Palak) Chicken Curry - Step 1
Step 2

- Cut the chicken into small pieces.

Spinach (Palak) Chicken Curry - Step 2
Step 3

- Arrange the spices on a plate.

Spinach (Palak) Chicken Curry - Step 3
Step 4

Begin the cooking process.

Heat the oil well in a pan, add the onion and garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Spinach (Palak) Chicken Curry - Step 4
Step 5

Add the chicken, stir occasionally and cook for about 7-10 minutes.

Spinach (Palak) Chicken Curry - Step 5
Step 6

Add the peppers, ginger, turmeric, paprika, cumin, and coriander to the chicken. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Spinach (Palak) Chicken Curry - Step 6
Step 7

Add the frozen spinach cubes. While some recommend defrosting and blending it into a sauce-like consistency, I skip this step and add it directly. If using fresh spinach, wash, blanch, and blend before adding.

Spinach (Palak) Chicken Curry - Step 7
Step 8

As the spinach thaws, let the dish simmer on medium-low heat for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add salt to taste, cream, and optionally, a tablespoon of butter. Stir and simmer for another 5 minutes.

Spinach (Palak) Chicken Curry - Step 8
Step 9

Your dish is ready, enjoy it, especially if served with some Indian lemon rice.

Bon appétit!

Spinach (Palak) Chicken Curry - Step 9
Quantity: 1 kg (3-4 servings)
Prep time:
40 min
Difficulty: easy
Ready in: 15 min