*Corn-Spinach Rice

I am not that big fan of plain rice, but if it is masala rice or fried rice with lots of vegetables I would love to eat it. So I always experiment to make variations in plain rice.This recipe is one such experiment in the kitchen.

Corn-Spinach Rice

Few days back I had cooked plain rice but wanted to make something different,something little spicy. But what???I was thinking and thinking....and opened my fridge to find something to add to the rice. I just took what first came to my sight, it was spinach..I thought it will be a healthy choice. But I still wanted something more, so once again my eyes started scanning the refrigerator and bingo..there it was a bag of frozen corn!!! First I was a bit unsure about the taste while making but when it was made, I gave it to my hubby to taste he loved the recipe....I was so happy and proud of myself :)....One more successful experiments...really it was very tasty!!

When I started making this rice,I had no idea that I would be sharing it with you all but when it turned out to be so delicious...I had to share this recipe with you all. So,I quickly clicked some pics and here's the recipe...Enjoy!!


Ingredients

• Cooked rice 3 cups
• Corn Kernels 1 cup
• Spinach (finely chopped) 1 cup
• Olive/vegetable oil 2 tsp
• Ginger-garlic paste 2 tsp
• Red chilli powder 2 tsp
• Turmeric powder i tsp
• Asafoetida (hing) a pinch
• Cumin seeds 1 tsp
• Mustard seeds 1 tsp
• Curry leaves 3-4

Method

• Heat oil in a pan.
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• Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds.When they splutter, add asafoetida,curry leaves and ginger-garlic paste.
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• Add corn kernels and chopped spinach. Mix with a spatula and cook for 3-4 mins, till they get a little cooked. Take care not to overcook them. (If you are using frozen corn kernels,keep them in warm water for about 2-3 mins or till they become soft.)
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• Add red chilli powder, turmeric powder and salt.
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• Finally add cooked rice and a few drops of lime juice and mix lightly till all the ingredients get properly mixed. Take care not to break the rice grains.
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• Serve hot with raita or curry of your choice.

Calories ~ 400 Calories/serving
Serves 2

Spinach and Corn facts:

* Spinach is described as a Power food in nutrition world.It is low in saturated fat, and very low in cholesterol. It is also a good source of niacin and zinc, and a very good source of dietary fiber, protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper and manganese.

* Iron and calcium in plant foods are not highly absorbed by the body. Spinach contains a chemical called oxalic acid, which binds with iron and calcium and reduces the absorption of these minerals. To improve iron absorption, spinach should be eaten with vitamin C-rich foods such as orange juice, tomatoes, or citrus fruit.

* Oxalate, found in spinach, may cause kidney stones in some predisposed individuals. Not all kidney stones are oxalate based. People who suffer from kidney stones should check with their medical practitioners as to whether oxalate is a factor in their condition and therefore whether they should eliminate spinach from their diet.

* Corn is a rich source of some vitamins and minerals.It is a good source of fiber and is low in saturated Fat, and very low in cholesterol and sodium,thus good for heart health.
(Ref: Google search)