Steamed Curry Leaf Spinach Patra with Lentil Batter

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A delicate Gujarati dish of steamed spinach and curry leaves wrapped in a spiced lentil batter, served with chutney. This indian-inspired vegetarian (dairy-free) ready in about 60 minutes pairs spinach, curry leaves, green chilies for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a blender, combine 1 cup chopped spinach, 1/4 cup curry leaves, 2 finely chopped green chilies, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds, 1/4 tsp cumin seeds, and 1/2 tsp salt. Blend with 1/4 cup water until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/4 cup soaked chana dal (drained) and 2 tbsp gram flour to the blender. Blend until smooth, adding a little more water if needed.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the blended mixture and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a thick mass that leaves the sides of the pan.
  4. Step 4: Spread the mixture thinly on a steamer cloth or parchment paper (about 1/4 inch thick) and place on a steamer rack.
  5. Step 5: Steam for 15-20 minutes until set and firm to the touch.
  6. Step 6: Remove from steamer, cool slightly, then cut into 2-inch squares. Serve warm with mint chutney.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Steamed Curry Leaf Spinach Patra with Lentil Batter take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (40 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Steamed Curry Leaf Spinach Patra with Lentil Batter?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spinach from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Curry Leaf Spinach Patra with Lentil Batter?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Steamed Curry Leaf Spinach Patra with Lentil Batter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Steamed Curry Leaf Spinach Patra with Lentil Batter dairy-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged dairy-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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