Thursday 21 January 2016

SPINACH BALLS IN TOMATO CURRY

SPINACH BALLS IN TOMATO CURRY

#Edited: - This recipe was featured as the best recipe on Real Food Friday blog hop, check here.

PALAK KOFTA CURRY


 

Three years ago, when I went to Vancouver during the summer holidays, I saw a bird show, that was named “birds of prey in action”, on the hill top of Grouse Mountain. It was really an amazing show; birds flew meters into the sky and dived back within a few minutes to take a bite of meat from the girl who was performing this show. Different types of birds were there- owls, falcons, hawks, and eagles.



 Those birds were trained for that demonstration, and it seems the birds were enjoying the show as much as we were enjoying. I was amazed to see that show and thought how much patience and time those trainers might have devoted to training those birds. Then I came to the conclusion that nothing is impossible in this world, anything can be done with time and dedication.



I enjoyed that trip so much and want to go and see it again. I am also sharing some pics below, of this show, which were taken by my son-in-law who is a photographer. This is the most popular summer program on that mountain which is viewed by hundreds of people every day during the summer months.




In the evening when we reached our hotel room, my grandson who was seven years old, explained me about the birds, which he had learned in his school. He told me how thousands of birds migrate from Canada in winter to warmer countries, they fly and travel kilometres and kilometres to settle in a new place, and when summer returns to Canada, they travel back. I enjoyed his lesson fully and was pleased to see/know his knowledge about birds and in general about Canada as well. This lesson and explanation of him were not new to me, this is a normal routine for me. Whenever he comes back from school, with all his enthusiasm and excitement, he will start like this, “Do you know, grandma? ….”- and the whole lesson will continue on with whatever his teacher taught him that particular day in class. This is a lot of fun and a memorable moment to enjoy, for a proud grandma like me.



Coming to the recipe, I tasted spinach balls in tomato gravy, in a restaurant in Vancouver and really enjoyed it. When I reached home, I tried the same recipe, based on the taste and look of that particular dish, it came out very nice. I was glad to have another recipe for spinach, as it is green and a healthy vegetable. In this recipe, I have used a small pack of frozen spinach, because in this recipe it is easier and faster compared to the fresh one.




RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

  • I packet of frozen spinach (400 grams)
  • 3 tbs chickpeas flour
  • 1 big onion (200 grams)
  • 2 big tomatoes (400 grams)
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • a small piece of ginger
  • Salt and red pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tbs oil and some oil for frying the balls

METHOD
  • Thaw the frozen spinach and remove all the water, then slice it again to make sure there is no whole leaf of spinach left.
  • Dry roast the chickpeas flour in a frying pan on low heat, once it is changing the colour to a few shades darker, remove from gas and leave it to cool.
  • When cool, add chickpeas flour into spinach with little salt and pepper and make small balls, and fry them on medium heat. Once they turn into light brown golden colour, take them out and drain on kitchen towel.
  • For curry, roughly chop ginger, garlic, onion, and tomatoes,
  • Heat 2 tbs oil in a saucepan and add cumin seeds when seeds are changing the colour, add ginger, garlic, onion and saute till light brown, add tomatoes and saute for another five minutes. Add all other spices and leave it to cool.
  • When this mixture is cold, make a puree in a blender, with 1/2 cup of water.
  • Boil again in a saucepan; when boiling, add the spinach balls, leave it on low heat for 5 more minutes.
  • Serve hot with roti, naan, rice or dinner bun.





88 comments:

  1. Firstly wishing you a very fulfilling, healthy, joyous and prosperous 2016. What a lovely post dear Sadhna. The birds are gorgeous and have been captured brilliantly by your son-in-law. Your grandson's story brought a huge smile on my face. The relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is so priceless. Coming to the dish, I totally loved it. The spinach spheres with all the aromatics and spices makes for a very delicious and nutritious dish. Lapped up in the tomato gravy they are sure to become a favourite with one and all.

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    1. Hi Piyali, Happy new year to you too, thanks very much for your visit and lovely comment, You are right relationship with grand parents and grand children is really priceless.

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  2. I really like spinach, and I could imagine loving these spinach balls Sadhna! It sounds like you had a wonderful time in Vancouver with your family and having a special time with your grandson must have been so much fun!

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    1. Hi Katrin, Thanks very much dear for your comment, yes I had good time with my family in Vancouver, and with my grand-son.

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  3. What a lovely story about the birds. It must be very impressive to see them dive down like that. And your grandson who knows all about Canada and is teaching his grandma a thing or two. I really enjoyed reading your recipe. Althought I do not have chickpea flour I was wondering if you could recommend a substitute for the flour. Could I use regular flour instead?

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    1. Hi Mary,thanks for your comment dear, yes, I have really enjoyed the trip. No problem Mary, you can replace chickpeas flour with semolina (cream of wheat), dry roast first and then follow the recipe.

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  4. Sadhna I love reading about your travels and seeing these delectable recipes! I also really like how you're displaying your posts in the left-hand sidebar. Great pictures. My tummy is hungry!

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    1. Awww, Lindsey, so nice of you for that lovely comment. Thanks for your visit and for reading the post.

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  5. beautiful photos! your son-in-law is very talented! and I love the look of those spinach balls! they look so delicious!

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  6. My husband and I are doing the Daniel Fast, and we are running out of ideas for supper. I am so excited that we can have this! Thanks for posting the recipe.

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    1. Thanks very much Sherry for your visit and the comment.

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  7. What a great story! Sounds like yall have a really good time. I would love to go see the bird of prey in action, I'm sure it was an amazing show!

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    1. Hi Linda, Thanks for your visit and comment. yes it was a real good show.

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  8. It must have been so amazing to see those birds up close!! I'd love to see a show like that. This recipe sounds so yummy. I love spinach and tumeric is supposed to be so good for our health!

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    1. Hi Jessica, yes it was an amazing show. you are right turmeric is really good for health. Thanks for your visit and comment.

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  9. Hi Sadhna, what a wonderful story and a wonderful recipe. My grandmother lived with me while I was growing up...your grandson is so lucky to have you in his life. I am anxious to try these spinach balls too...my kind of food.
    Thanks for sharing...Lynn

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    1. Hi Lynn, thanks very much for your lovely comment dear. I am also lucky to have them in my life.

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  10. I love everything with spinach in it! These sound wonderful!
    Blessings and smiles,
    Lori

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    1. Aww, thanks Lori for your blessings, smiles, and for your comment.

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  11. Lovely recipe!! Palak balls /kofte are an all time favorite at home!! Love your recipe must try http://www.mumbaitomelbourne.com/food-and-health-blog-posts/baingan-bharta-punjabi-style-smoky-mashed-eggplants

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  12. Very flavorful and delicious. Looks awesome. Yum Yum :)

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  13. Such wonderful dish! I love spinach and love tomato, and I'm planning to make this on Wednesday :) I'm sure we're going to enjoy it!

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  14. Give me all the greens! I love spinach and tomatoes! On top of a big bed of rice! Thank you for sharing and linking up for Meatless Monday!

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  15. I love spinach balls! I am wondering why use frozen instead of fresh? Thanks for linking up for meatless Monday please stop by and comment on the hosts blogs as well that would be great thanks

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    1. Hi Deborah, in this recipe if you use fresh spinach, it becomes too soft and watery, that is why I used frozen. I will come and comment.Thaanks for your comment.

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    2. Shucks. I was hoping I could substitute in fresh. I wonder if I sauteed it first and drained the liquid for use in soup stock. I'd love spinach balls made with fresh spinach!

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    3. You can give a try saute or blanch the spinach and squeeze all the water from it. Thanks for your visit and comment.

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  16. Beautiful post dear. Flavorful and super delicious recipe!

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  17. Amazing photos and glad to read your post about birds. BTW spinach kofta is really yummy.

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  18. Totally loved those gorgeous looking spinach balls....also loved your story!! Awesome share dear!!

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    1. Thanks very much Padma for your visit and the comment.

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  19. Hi di...wishing you and your family a happy and prosperous new year.loved your story and amazing photos. Last year when my parents came to my place,all the day my daughter would come from school and start her lessons what she taught in the class..can relate her with your grandson.Coming to the dish, it is absolutely delicious. .loved the spices you used..can I use fresh spinach instead of using frozen one

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    1. Hi Moumita, Wishing you the same. I know kids are so adorable. You can try with fresh spinach, do not add any water when you blanch the spinach and then try to squeeze all the water from it. Then it will be easy to use in this recipe. Thanks for your visit and comment dear.

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  20. I am drooling over this recipe! This is delicious. Already pinned and awaiting execution. I am absolutely terrified of birds. (I once let a flock of crows trap me in my car while in TX.) Nonetheless, I love birds of prey. Doesn't make a lick of sense. Mind you, I'm not going anywhere near a bird...of prey or otherwise. I'll just admire from afar like this beautiful post. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Hi Regina, First of all, thanks very much for your visit and the comment. I am glad you liked the recipe and you pinned it. Sorry about the incidence of crows trapped you.Birds of prey in action is a beautiful show.

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  21. Oh,wow, this is one healthy dish...lovely combination of ingredients...

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  22. Lovely memories to be treasured Sadhna, I love your son in law's photos, magnificent. Your spinach koftas look delicious, pinning for later :)

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    1. Hi Sarah, yes they are. Thanks for your comment and for pinning.

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  23. Dear Sadhna ji,
    That's one fabulous curry. I love palak in any form. I liked the idea of dry roasting the besan first...
    Loved it!

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    1. Thanks Sonal for your comment and for your visit. Please call me Sadhna.

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  24. Hi Sadhna,
    The bird show sounds like something I would love and find extremely interesting and entertaining. It sounds like your grandson is learning a lot at school and paying attention to his teachers.
    The spinach ball recipe sounds delicious & so healthy. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & twitted.

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    1. Hi Marla, I am glad that you like the clicks of bird show. You are right it seems he is listening seriously to his teacher. Thanks very much for your comment and for pinning and sharing.

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  25. The birds of prey show sounds amazing, gorgeous photos, and these spinach balls look delicious, I love spinach in all formats, so will have to try it! Thanks for sharing at What'd You Do This Weekend?!

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    1. Thanks Joy for your lovely comment dear, yes you can give a try, you will like it.

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  26. These look so delicious. :)

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  27. These look delicious. I love adding new spinach dishes to our meals so will definitely look at making these. Thank you for sharing with #CookBlogShare x

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  28. Thank you Sadhna, these are awesome. The round up will be up later today. I am so glad you could join in.

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    1. Aww Shahen thanks very much for your comment.I will come and see the round up.

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  29. First off, seeing those birds of prey are so cool! What a fun day that would be and sharing it with the whole family makes it even better. Your son in law is a fantastic photographer, I feel like I'm there with you enjoying it along with you and your family. Second off, I love this recipe. Now that I am gluten free and my daughter vegetarian we are missing meatballs in our pasta, now we don't have to. Not only do these fit our dietary needs they look absolutely delicious. Pinning!

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    1. Aweee, thanks Nikki, yes he is a good photographer, this is his website-http://madhumadhavan.com/. You can try this recipe i am sure you will enjoy it.

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  30. Oh wow, those totally looked like meatballs! I'd give them a try, though I have a childhood traumatic experience that keeps me away from most cooked spinach! Those birds or prey look awesome! Thanks for sharing at #FoodandFitnessFriday!

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    1. Hi Jebbica, sorry that you had bad experience with cooked spinach. Thanks for your visit and the comment.

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  31. I can't resist this yummy recipe! And I can't wait to make it! Thank you for sharing this healthy, delicious Spinach Balls in Tomato Curry recipe with us at the Healthy Happy Green and Natural Party! Pinning and sharing this!

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    1. Thanks Deborah for your comment and for pining and sharing.

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  32. Spinach kofta in curry looks very delicious, healthy and easy to make. loved it..Thanks for sharing !!

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  33. These look amazing. I have the ingredients and think I might be whipping these up tonight. Thanks. Visiting from Happy Healthy Green and Natural Blog Hop.

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    1. Thanks very much for your visit and the comment. I am sure you will like it.

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  34. It's so lovely when kids come home from school so excited by what they have learned! Those birds of prey look incredible, Sadhna. What a show it must have been! I did a falconry course several years ago and had the privilege of holding, catching and feeding a Harris Hawk, a Snowy Owl and a Falcon. It was just amazing. Your Spinach Balls look delicious and they are so good for you too. What a great vegetarian alternative to meat balls. Thank you so much for bringing this lovely post to the Hearth and Soul Hop.

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    1. Awwww, so nice of you dear April. Glad to know that you did a course and had a privilege of holding and catching those big birds. Thanks for your comment and reading the post.

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  35. Those balls look amazing and so do the birds! Thanks for sharing on My 2 Favorite Things on Thursday!See you tomorrow! Pinned!

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    1. Thanks Elaine for your visit and the comment, see you tomorrow.

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  36. Hi Sadhna,
    Just a note to let you know that I have chosen your post as one of my features for this weeks Real Food Fridays blog hop that goes live every Thursday @ 7 pm EST. Thank you so much for being part of Real Food Fridays mission to make this world a little bit healthier each week.

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    1. Hi Marla, Thanks Marla for informing that you are featuring my recipe there. I will visit and see.Thanks for your comment.

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  37. These look so delicious!! I have never had spinach balls before, but I seriously want some RIGHT NOW!!

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    1. Awww, thanks very much Andrea for your visit and the comment.

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  38. This is such an interesting dish. I have not thought of making veg into a ball and cook it with curry! It look so delicious!
    Love those photos! What a great shot!
    Thank you for sharing it with us #pintorials

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    1. Hi Eileen, thanks for your comment lovely comment dear.

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  39. Hey! this is really very nice and very testy and healthy blog. I save this blog and gonna try this recipe soon. Thank you so much for sharing this yummy recipe and blog. Its worth to visit this blog. renew life digestive enzymes

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    1. Hi Harper, Thanks very much for your kind words and your visit. I will visit your page.

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  40. Is there a substitution for chickpea flour - could I use coconut or cassava?

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    1. You can use any other type of flour like semolina or white flour. For coconut I doubt because it will burn when frying, cassava flour can be used.
      Thanks for your visit and comment.

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    2. These sound so tasty and easy to make. I love your anecdote of your grandson sharing his newly learnt knowledge when he arrives home from school each day. #SundayFitness&Food
      Angela x

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    3. Aww , so nice of you. Thanks Angela for your lovely comment dear.

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  41. These look so delicious! I can't wait to try them :-) Thank you for joining the Link-Up, Pinned!!

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    1. Thanks Angela for your lovely comment and for pinning.

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