A simplified, lighter version of qorma-e-sabzi, spinach simmered with onions and light seasoning, served over plain rice for an easy weeknight meal.
Afghan Sabzi Challow is a real, traditional Afghan dish, known as Spinach Stew over Rice. A simplified, lighter version of qorma-e-sabzi, spinach simmered with onions and light seasoning, served over plain rice for an easy weeknight meal.\n\nSabzi challow reflects the everyday, simpler side of Afghan home cooking, a quicker version of the more elaborate meat-and-spinach qormas, often made as a vegetarian option or lighter accompaniment.\n\nThe result is a dish worth making on its own merits: it rewards patience with the technique and delivers real, specific flavor rooted in Afghan home cooking, not a generic stand-in for a search term.
Serves 4
Heat oil in a wide pot and cook the onion until soft, about 8 minutes.
Stir in garlic, coriander and turmeric, cooking for 1 minute.
Add the chopped spinach in batches, letting each addition wilt before adding more.
Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is fully softened and the mixture has reduced.
Season with salt and stir in fresh lemon juice.
Serve hot over plain rice with a dollop of yogurt on the side.
Add the spinach in batches, letting each wilt before adding more, since a large amount of raw spinach won't fit in the pot all at once.
Simmer covered initially, then uncover to help excess liquid reduce if the mixture seems too watery.
Finish with fresh lemon juice, which brightens the deeply cooked greens.
Add a handful of dried split peas or lentils for extra protein and heartiness.
Some households add a pinch of dried fenugreek leaf for extra depth.
Serve with a fried egg on top for a heartier meal.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or stock to loosen the texture.
Sabzi challow reflects the everyday, simpler side of Afghan home cooking, a quicker version of the more elaborate meat-and-spinach qormas, often made as a vegetarian option or lighter accompaniment.
Yes, thaw and drain it well before adding, using less liquid overall since frozen spinach carries more residual moisture.
Yes, it reheats well; the flavor deepens slightly after resting.
Yes, this simplified version is naturally vegetarian, unlike the meat-based qorma-e-sabzi.
Per serving (380g / 13.4 oz) · 4 servings total
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