Spinach-based meals are having a quiet resurgence right now, especially in plant-based and weight-loss spaces. People are looking for meals that feel comforting and familiar but still align with health goals—and that’s exactly where palak-style recipes shine.
This High-Protein Palak-Style Spinach Bowl takes inspiration from traditional palak dishes without trying to replicate them exactly. Instead, it focuses on the elements people love most: warmth, creaminess, and deep savory flavor—while keeping the recipe vegan, dairy-free, and simple enough for weeknights.
What makes this bowl especially powerful is how grounding it feels. It’s warm, smooth, and spoonable, which naturally slows eating and increases satisfaction. That sensory experience is one of the reasons recipes like this keep people engaged longer, both on the page and at the table.
This recipe also fits seamlessly into the Dream Life Cookbook approach—where comfort foods are reimagined in a way that supports consistency, nourishment, and long-term results without excess heaviness.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Creamy without dairy
- High in plant-based protein
- Cozy and deeply satisfying
- Simple ingredients, big flavor
- Perfect for winter meals and Veganuary
High-Protein Palak-Style Spinach Bowl
Description
This high-protein palak-style spinach bowl is creamy, warming, and deeply satisfying without dairy. A vegan, weight-loss-friendly meal inspired by classic palak flavors but simplified for everyday eating.
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1 — Sauté the aromatics
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Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent.
Step 2 — Add garlic and ginger
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Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3 — Wilt the spinach
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Add fresh spinach to the pan in batches, stirring as it wilts down completely.
Step 4 — Blend the spinach base
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Transfer the cooked spinach mixture to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 5 — Combine protein and spices
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Return the blended spinach to the pan. Stir in cooked lentils, cashew cream, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
Step 6 — Finish and serve
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Taste and adjust seasoning. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and serve warm as a bowl or over grains.
Note
This bowl is intentionally smooth and creamy, which helps balance the earthiness of spinach and lentils. The cashew cream adds richness without heaviness, while the spices deepen flavor without overwhelming it. The result is a dish that feels indulgent but remains light enough for regular meals.
