Lasooni Palak Tadka is a time-honoured Indian spinach preparation that relies on technique rather than heavy spicing. Traditionally cooked during cooler months when palak is tender and naturally sweet, this dish highlights garlic as a flavour carrier rather than a dominant note. Blanching keeps the spinach vibrant, while mustard oil and ghee add depth and warmth. The final garlic tadka infuses aroma without overpowering the greens, making this recipe a staple across North Indian home kitchens for its simplicity, nutrition, and comforting character.
Rinse the spinach thoroughly to remove soil and grit, paying attention to the stems. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, then add the spinach and cook just until wilted and bright green. Transfer immediately to cold water to halt cooking. Drain well and grind into a coarse purée without adding water to preserve flavour concentration.
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Step 2: Heat the Base
Place a pan on medium heat and add mustard oil, heating it until it lightly smokes. Reduce the heat and add ghee, allowing the fats to blend. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle gently, followed by a pinch of asafoetida and chopped green chilli. Sprinkle turmeric and sauté briefly, ensuring the spices bloom without browning.
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Step 3: Cook the Palak
Add the spinach purée to the pan along with salt. Cook on low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, so excess moisture evaporates gradually. The palak should thicken slightly and lose its raw edge while retaining its natural green colour. Avoid rushing this stage, as slow cooking keeps the flavour clean and rounded.
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Step 4: Prepare Garlic Tadka
In a small tadka pan, heat ghee on a low flame. Add sliced garlic and broken dry red chilli, stirring gently. Allow the garlic to turn pale golden and release aroma slowly. Keeping the heat low is essential here, as over-browned garlic introduces bitterness that disrupts the balance of the dish.
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Step 5: Finish the Dish
Pour the hot garlic tadka evenly over the cooked spinach. Mix gently to distribute the flavour without mashing the palak further. Switch off the heat and let the dish rest briefly, allowing the garlic notes to settle before serving.