If you’re craving a delightful, wholesome treat that’s as nutritious as it is flavorful, look no further than the Delicious Spinach Puda – Your New Favorite Savory Pancake Recipe. This vibrant Indian-inspired pancake is packed with fresh spinach, aromatic spices, and a perfectly crispy texture that will have you hooked from the very first bite. It’s a perfect dish that brings together simple ingredients into a mouthwatering experience, whether for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is like assembling a small team of flavor superheroes, each playing their crucial role to elevate this dish. These components are straightforward yet essential, creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that makes this recipe shine.
- 1 cup Gram Flour (Besan): The primary ingredient that delivers a nutty flavor and forms the batter base.
- 1 cup Fresh Spinach Leaves: Finely chopped to blend smoothly into the batter, adding vibrant color and nutrients.
- 0.25 cup Onion: Finely chopped to give a subtle sweetness and crunch.
- 1 whole Green Chili: Minced to add a spicy kick that’s adjustable to your taste.
- 2 cloves Garlic: Minced for a punch of aromatic flavor that enhances the overall profile.
- 0.5 teaspoon Cumin Seeds: Brings traditional warmth and earthiness.
- 0.25 teaspoon Turmeric Powder: Provides a lovely golden color along with a hint of mild, aromatic flavor.
- Salt: To taste; it naturally amplifies all the other flavors.
- 3/4 to 1 cup Water: Used to adjust the batter consistency for perfect pancakes.
- Oil: For frying and achieving that irresistible crispiness.
How to Make Delicious Spinach Puda – Your New Favorite Savory Pancake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by mixing the gram flour, turmeric powder, cumin seeds, and salt in a large bowl. Gradually add water while whisking to form a smooth, pourable batter without lumps. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter, thick enough to hold the veggies but thin enough to spread easily in the pan.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Aromatics
Fold in the finely chopped spinach, onions, green chili, and garlic into the batter. These ingredients infuse the puda with fresh flavors and a beautiful texture, turning an ordinary pancake into a savory delight bursting with character.
Step 3: Heat and Prepare Your Pan
Heat a non-stick skillet or tawa over medium heat and add a little oil to coat the surface evenly. The pan needs to be hot enough to sizzle the batter gently but not so hot that it burns instantly, setting the stage for pancakes with golden crusts and tender interiors.
Step 4: Cook the Puda
Pour a ladleful of batter onto the pan and gently spread it into a small circle, about 5-6 inches wide. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until the edges set and golden brown spots appear. Flip the puda carefully, adding a bit of oil around the edges, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until both sides are crisp and cooked through.
Step 5: Repeat Until Batter is Gone
Continue the process, adjusting heat as necessary, until all the batter is transformed into irresistible spinach pudas. Keep them warm in a low oven or covered with a kitchen towel while you finish cooking the batch.
How to Serve Delicious Spinach Puda – Your New Favorite Savory Pancake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or a spoonful of fresh yogurt makes a stunning garnish. These simple touches add color and a cooling contrast to the savory pancakes.
Side Dishes
Pair your pudas with tangy chutneys like mint or tamarind, or even a side of tangy pickle for added zest. A cup of masala chai or a light vegetable soup also complements their flavor perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the spinach pudas stacked with layers of spiced yogurt or a drizzle of garlic chutney between each pancake. You can also roll them up with a filling of spiced paneer or mashed potatoes for a delightful snack or appetizer presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover spinach pudas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, keeping their texture intact for later enjoyment.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Arrange pudas in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They maintain their flavor and texture well for up to a month.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat spinach pudas in a hot skillet with a few drops of oil. This method crisps them nicely, unlike microwaving, which can make them soggy. A couple of minutes on each side will revive their vibrant taste and crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute fresh spinach with frozen, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water to avoid a watery batter.
What makes this spinach puda different from regular pancakes?
Unlike sweet pancakes, this recipe is savory, packed with spices, herbs, and vegetables, giving it a unique flavor and hearty texture that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Is gram flour gluten-free?
Yes, gram flour is naturally gluten-free, making this recipe suitable for those avoiding gluten, but always check packaging for cross-contamination if sensitive.
How can I adjust the spice level?
Simply reduce the amount of green chili or omit it altogether for a milder version. You can also add a pinch of black pepper for gentle warmth if preferred.
Can I make these for meal prep?
Absolutely! Spinach pudas store well and reheat beautifully, making them a fantastic option for quick, healthy meals on busy days.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Delicious Spinach Puda – Your New Favorite Savory Pancake Recipe enough; it’s a true blend of simple, fresh ingredients turning into something extraordinary. Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a seasoned fan, this recipe offers a wonderfully comforting and versatile meal that you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your pan and dive into these green, golden beauties – your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Delicious Spinach Puda – Your New Favorite Savory Pancake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 large pancakes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Spinach Puda is a savory Indian pancake made with gram flour and fresh spinach, flavored with spices like cumin, turmeric, garlic, and green chili. This quick and healthy recipe yields fluffy, nutritious pancakes perfect for breakfast or a light snack.
Ingredients
Spinach Puda Batter
- 1 cup Gram Flour (Besan) – Primary ingredient for nutty flavor.
- 1 cup Fresh Spinach Leaves, finely chopped – for better texture.
- 0.25 cup Onion, finely chopped.
- 1 whole Green Chili, minced – adjust for heat preference.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced – for flavor enhancement.
- 0.5 teaspoon Cumin Seeds – essential for traditional taste.
- 0.25 teaspoon Turmeric Powder – for color and mild flavor.
- Salt to taste – enhances flavor.
- 3/4 to 1 cup Water – for batter consistency.
For Cooking
- Oil – for frying.
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the gram flour, chopped spinach, onion, green chili, garlic, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, and salt. Gradually add water while stirring to form a smooth, slightly thick batter similar to pancake batter consistency.
- Heat the Pan: Place a non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil, spreading it evenly to coat the surface.
- Cook the Pudas: Pour a ladleful of batter onto the heated pan and spread gently into a circular shape. Cook on medium heat until the edges firm up and golden brown spots appear underneath, about 3-4 minutes.
- Flip Carefully: Using a spatula, flip the puda and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Repeat: Add more oil as needed for subsequent pudas and repeat the process with the remaining batter, making approximately 4 large pancakes.
- Serve Warm: Serve the spinach puda hot with chutney, yogurt, or a side of your choice.
Notes
- You can adjust the thickness of the batter by adding more or less water to achieve your preferred pancake texture.
- For extra flavor, add chopped coriander leaves or a pinch of red chili powder to the batter.
- Use fresh spinach for best taste and texture; frozen spinach can be used if well-drained.
- Keep cooked pudas warm in a low oven while finishing the rest to serve all hot.
