Rajasthani cuisine is renowned for its rustic flavors, rich spices, and nutritious dishes. One such recipe is Besan Palak, which combines the green spinach leaves and the subtle aroma of gram flour to create a unique, rustic flavor. This dish goes well with rotis, bajra rotis, or rice.

Ingredients (Serves 2-3)
Fresh spinach – 2 large bunches (finely chopped)
Gram flour – 1/2 cup
Onion – 1 (finely chopped)
Garlic – 5-6 cloves (crushed)
Green chilies – 2 (finely chopped)
Cumin seeds – 1/2 teaspoon
Turmeric – 1/2 teaspoon
Red chili powder – 1 teaspoon
Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon
Yogurt – 1/2 cup (whipped, optional)
Oil/ghee – 2-3 teaspoons
Salt – to taste
Water – as needed

Method of Preparation
1. Preparation of Spinach
Wash the spinach thoroughly and chop it finely. Make sure the water is thoroughly drained so the vegetable doesn't become overly moist.

2. Roasting the Gram Flour
Heat a pan and add a little ghee or oil.
Add the gram flour and fry over low heat until golden.
When the aroma emanates, and the gram flour turns light brown, remove it and set it aside.

3. Tempering the Spices
Heat some oil in the pan again.
Add cumin seeds and fry.
Add onion, garlic, and green chilies and fry until lightly golden.

4. Cooking the Spinach
Add the chopped spinach and cook, stirring, for 3-4 minutes.
When the spinach begins to wilt, add turmeric, salt, coriander powder, and red chili.
Let it cook over low heat.

5. Mixing the Gram Flour and Yogurt
Add the roasted gram flour to the spinach and mix well.
Slowly add a little water so the gram flour doesn't form lumps.
If desired, you can add whipped yogurt to enhance the tang and flavor.

Cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring constantly, until the gram flour and spinach are well combined.

6. Final Step
Adjust the consistency of the curry to your liking.

When the oil begins to ooze out from the sides, turn off the heat.

How to Serve
Serve hot Rajasthani gram flour spinach with
millet roti,
wheat phulka roti,
or plain rice. Drizzle a few drops of ghee on top for a more delicious flavor.

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