Punjabi Buttermilk Stew With Spinach Dumplings

Name: Punjabi Buttermilk Stew With Spinach Dumplings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: For the dumplings:; 2 10-oz boxes of frozen spinach, thawed; 2/3 cup gram flour (also called chickpea flour and besan in Indian stores); 2 small onions, finely chopped; 2 green chiles, finely chopped; 1 1/4 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon chile flakes; 1 teaspoon amchur (sour mango powder); 1 teaspoon coriander seeds; 1 1/2 teaspoons chaat masala; 4 cups vegetable oil for frying (up to 5 cups, if needed); For the stew:; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 quarts buttermilk (low-fat or full-fat is fine); 1/3 cup gram flour (also called chickpea flour and besan in Indian stores); 3/4 teaspoon turmeric; 1 1/4 teaspoons salt; 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds; 1 teaspoon coriander seeds; 1 tablespoon black mustard seeds; 1 to 2 serrano chiles, finely chopped; 6 garlic cloves, crushed to a paste; 1 1/2 inch ginger, crushed to a paste; 2 yellow onions, sliced into half moons; 1 teaspoon red chile flakes; Basmati rice, for serving (optional)

Servings: persons

For the dumplings:
2 10-oz boxes of frozen spinach, thawed
2/3 cup gram flour (also called chickpea flour and besan in Indian stores)
2 small onions, finely chopped
2 green chiles, finely chopped
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon chile flakes
1 teaspoon amchur (sour mango powder)
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons chaat masala
4 cups vegetable oil for frying (up to 5 cups, if needed)
For the stew:
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 quarts buttermilk (low-fat or full-fat is fine)
1/3 cup gram flour (also called chickpea flour and besan in Indian stores)
3/4 teaspoon turmeric
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 tablespoon black mustard seeds
1 to 2 serrano chiles, finely chopped
6 garlic cloves, crushed to a paste
1 1/2 inch ginger, crushed to a paste
2 yellow onions, sliced into half moons
1 teaspoon red chile flakes
Basmati rice, for serving (optional)

1
Squeeze as much water as possible from the spinach. In a medium mixing bowl, add the spinach and the remaining ingredients listed, except for the oil.
2
Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a Dutch oven until it is shimmering over medium-high heat.
3
Drop heaping tablespoons of dumpling batter into the hot oil and fry for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden.
4
Flip the dumplings over and fry the other side until golden, about 2 minutes.
5
Remove dumplings from oil and drain on paper towel-lined plate.
6
Blend the buttermilk, gram flour, turmeric, and salt in a blender until combined. If some of the buttermilk doesn't fit, it is okay to use 1 quart of buttermilk, then add the rest of it during step 6, as instructed
7
Heat the oil over medium heat in a Dutch oven. Add the fenugreek seeds, coriander seeds, and mustard seeds. Cook until the mustard seeds pop, about 2 to 3 minutes.
8
Add the serrano chiles and saute for one minute.
9
Add the garlic and ginger and saute for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden.
10
Add the onion and saute for 3 to 4 minutes in the vegetable oil, until softened but not brown.
11
Add the chile flakes plus all of the buttermilk (blended and, if not all of it fit in your blender, plain). At this point the mixture is a pale yellow color. The color will intensify and become bright as the gravy cooks.
12
Turn the heat up to medium-high and stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
13
Reduce heat to low and cook the stew for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
14
Add dumplings and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
15
Optional: Serve over basmati rice.

2991

kcal

Calories

293

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 26 ingredients. The key ingredients include: For the dumplings:, 2 10-oz boxes of frozen spinach, thawed, 2/3 cup gram flour (also called chickpea flour and besan in Indian stores), 2 small onions, finely chopped, and more.

Yes, Punjabi Buttermilk Stew With Spinach Dumplings falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!