Carrot Spinach Fry is a simple and nutritious South Indian stir-fry made with fresh carrots, spinach (Palakura), coconut, and light spices. It pairs perfectly with hot rice and sambar or rasam and is quick to prepare for everyday meals.
Ingredients
- Carrot – 2 medium (grated)
- Spinach – 3 bunches (chopped)
- Grated coconut – ½ cup
- Oil – 2 tbsp
- Mustard seeds – ½ tsp
- Cumin seeds – ½ tsp
- Urad dal – 1 tsp
- Chana dal – 1 tsp
- Dry red chillies – 2
- Garlic – 4 cloves (crushed)
- Onion – 1 small (sliced)
- Curry leaves – few
- Hing (asafoetida) – a pinch
- Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
- Red chilli powder – ½ tsp
- Sambar powder – 1 tsp
- Salt – to taste
Preparation Method
- Heat oil in a pan on medium flame
- Add mustard seeds and let them splutter
- Add cumin seeds, urad dal, chana dal and fry till golden
- Add dry red chillies, curry leaves, garlic, and hing; saute well
- Add sliced onion and fry till soft
- Add grated carrot, turmeric, salt, and mix well
- Cover and cook for 3–4 minutes until carrot softens
- Add chopped spinach and cook uncovered till wilted
- Add red chilli powder and sambar powder; mix well
- Add grated coconut and saute for 2–3 minutes
- Switch off flame and serve hot
Tips
- Grated carrot cooks faster and blends well with spinach
- Fresh coconut gives best taste
Health Benefits
- Rich in iron and folate from spinach, helps improve hemoglobin levels
- Carrots are high in beta-carotene, supporting good eyesight and skin health
- Good source of dietary fiber, aids digestion and prevents constipation
- Coconut provides healthy fats that help keep you full for longer
- Garlic supports heart health and boosts immunity
- Low-calorie and nutrient-dense, suitable for weight-management diets
- Helps strengthen immunity due to vitamins A, C, and K