Recipe for Palak Cutlet: A Nutritious and Flavorful Snack
Snacking can often feel like a guilty pleasure, but when done right, it can be both delicious and nourishing. One such snack that beautifully blends taste with health is the Palak Cutlet. This crispy, golden delight made from spinach, potatoes, and spices is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a powerhouse of nutrition. Whether you serve it as a tea-time snack, a starter at gatherings, or pack it in a lunchbox, palak cutlets always make an impression.
In this blog, let’s dive into everything you need to know about preparing palak cutlets at home—ingredients, step-by-step method, variations, and serving suggestions.
Why Choose Palak Cutlet?
Before we get into the recipe, it’s worth exploring why this dish deserves a special place in your kitchen.
● Rich in nutrients: Spinach (palak) is loaded with iron, vitamins, and antioxidants that promote good health.
● Balanced snack: The addition of potatoes, breadcrumbs, and spices makes it filling and flavorful.
● Versatile: Can be shallow-fried, pan-fried, baked, or even air-fried depending on your health preferences.
● Kid-friendly: A clever way to make children eat their greens without fuss.
Ingredients for Palak Cutlet
Here’s a list of simple ingredients you’ll need to prepare around 10–12 cutlets:
● Spinach (Palak) – 2 cups (finely chopped and blanched)
● Potatoes – 3 medium-sized (boiled and mashed)
● Onion – 1 medium (finely chopped)
● Green chilies – 1–2 (finely chopped, adjust to taste)
● Ginger-garlic paste – 1 teaspoon
● Bread slices – 2 (crumbled) or ½ cup breadcrumbs
● Coriander leaves – 2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
● Spices:
○ Red chili powder – ½ teaspoon
○ Garam masala – ½ teaspoon
○ Cumin powder – ½ teaspoon
○ Coriander powder – ½ teaspoon
○ Chaat masala – ½ teaspoon
○ Salt – as per taste
● Cornflour – 2 tablespoons (for binding)
● Oil – for shallow or deep frying
For coating:
● Cornflour slurry – 2 tablespoons cornflour mixed with 3 tablespoons water
● Breadcrumbs – 1 cup (for a crispy exterior)
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Prepping the Spinach
● Wash the spinach thoroughly in running water to remove any dirt.
● Blanch the spinach by boiling it in hot water for 2–3 minutes, then immediately transferring it into cold water.
● Squeeze out the excess water and finely chop it. This step ensures your cutlets don’t turn soggy.
2. Preparing the Mixture
● In a large mixing bowl, add the blanched spinach, mashed potatoes, chopped onion, green chilies, and ginger-garlic paste.
● Add the spices: red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and chaat masala.
● Mix in crumbled bread or breadcrumbs to absorb moisture.
● Add cornflour and chopped coriander leaves.
● Combine everything well to form a dough-like mixture. If it feels too sticky, add more breadcrumbs for binding.
3. Shaping the Cutlets
● Grease your palms lightly with oil.
● Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into round or oval cutlets, about half an inch thick.
● Prepare all cutlets and keep them ready for coating.
4. Coating for Crispiness
● Dip each cutlet in the cornflour slurry.
● Roll them in breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
● This double-layer coating ensures that the cutlets turn out crisp and golden.
5. Cooking the Cutlets
● Shallow Frying: Heat 3–4 tablespoons of oil on a tawa or non-stick pan. Place the cutlets and cook on medium flame until golden brown on both sides.
● Deep Frying: Heat oil in a kadai and fry the cutlets in batches until crisp and golden. Drain on absorbent paper.
● Healthier Options: You can also bake the cutlets at 200°C for 20 minutes or air-fry them until golden, brushing lightly with oil.
Serving Suggestions
Palak cutlets are versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some ideas:
● Serve hot with green chutney, tomato ketchup, or tamarind chutney.
● Place inside burger buns with lettuce and mayonnaise to make a delicious palak cutlet burger.
● Use them as patties inside wraps or sandwiches for a wholesome meal.
● Pair with masala chai in the evening for a perfect snack-time combo.
Variations of Palak Cutlet
One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. You can experiment with different ingredients to suit your taste:
● Palak Paneer Cutlet: Add grated paneer (cottage cheese) to the mixture for a protein-rich twist.
● Palak Corn Cutlet: Sweet corn kernels add a delightful crunch and sweetness.
● Palak Oats Cutlet: Replace breadcrumbs with powdered oats for a healthier alternative.
● Cheese-Stuffed Palak Cutlet: Place a small cube of cheese inside each cutlet before frying for a gooey surprise.
● Spicy Palak Cutlet: Increase the green chili and add black pepper for extra heat.
Tips for Perfect Palak Cutlets
● Always squeeze spinach thoroughly after blanching to avoid watery cutlets.
● If the mixture feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs or cornflour to maintain firmness.
● Fry on medium flame—too high heat will burn the exterior while leaving the inside undercooked.
● You can prepare the cutlets ahead of time, coat them with breadcrumbs, and refrigerate for a few hours before frying. This makes them a convenient party snack.
Nutritional Value
Palak cutlets are not only tasty but also pack in nutrition:
● Spinach is rich in iron, vitamin K, vitamin A, and antioxidants.
● Potatoes provide carbohydrates for energy.
● Onions and spices enhance digestion and add flavor.
● Breadcrumbs or oats add fiber.
When baked or air-fried, these cutlets are a guilt-free snack that balances health with indulgence.
Final Thoughts
The Palak Cutlet is proof that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring. With its crunchy exterior and soft, flavorful inside, it satisfies cravings while nourishing your body. Whether you’re cooking for kids, guests, or just yourself, this easy-to-make snack is sure to impress.
So, the next time you’re craving something crispy yet wholesome, skip the store-bought snacks and try making palak cutlets at home. With simple ingredients, a straightforward recipe, and endless variations, this dish will soon become a staple in your kitchen.
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