Aloo Palak, a traditional dish from the Indian subcontinent, is a delightful combination of potatoes (aloo) and spinach (palak) that is stir-fried to perfection. This dish is not only a staple in Indian households but also a favorite among those who love the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine. With its roots in Punjabi and Pakistani cooking, Aloo Palak is known for its simplicity and wholesome ingredients. The marriage of tender potatoes and nutrient-rich spinach, infused with spices, makes it a nutritious and delicious meal option.
Ingredients
To prepare this delicious Aloo Palak stir-fried Indian potatoes and spinach recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or olive oil works best)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust according to taste)
- Salt to taste
- 300 grams fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Juice of half a lemon
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
Instructions
Here’s how to make Aloo Palak:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Chop and Prep: Start by preparing all the ingredients. Peel and cube the potatoes, chop the onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and spinach, and mince the garlic and ginger.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
- Heat Oil: In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onions, garlic, and ginger to the pan. Sauté until the onions become translucent.
- Add Spices: Stir in the green chilies, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and red chili powder. Cook for a minute until the spices are fragrant.
- Cook Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pan and mix well to coat them with the spices. Add a little water, cover the pan, and let the potatoes cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Add Spinach and Cook
- Add Spinach: Once the potatoes are tender, add the chopped spinach and tomatoes to the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Season and Simmer: Add salt to taste, cover the pan, and let it cook for another 5-7 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are soft.
Step 4: Final Touches
- Garam Masala: Sprinkle the garam masala over the cooked vegetables and mix well. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Lemon Juice: Add a splash of lemon juice for freshness and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve Hot: Serve the Aloo Palak hot with roti, naan, or steamed rice.
Tips and Variations
Cooking Tips
- Potato Choice: Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a better texture that holds up well when cooked.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder according to your spice tolerance.
- Consistency: If you prefer a dry version of Aloo Palak, cook it uncovered in the last few minutes to evaporate any excess moisture.
Variations
- Aloo Palak Recipe Pakistani: For a Pakistani twist, add a teaspoon of dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) for a unique aroma.
- Aloo Palak Recipe | Punjabi Style: Incorporate some paneer cubes to make it more substantial, following the Punjabi tradition of adding richness to dishes.
- South Indian Style: Add a pinch of mustard seeds and curry leaves along with the cumin seeds for a South Indian flavor profile.
Substitutions
- Spinach Alternatives: Use kale or Swiss chard if spinach is unavailable.
- Oil Alternatives: Substitute with ghee for a richer taste.
Nutritional Information
A serving of Aloo Palak provides approximately:
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 25 grams
- Fat: 10 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
This dish is an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and iron, making it a healthy choice for any meal.
Aloo Palak Stir Fried Indian Potatoes and Spinach is a delightful dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine. Its simplicity and nutritional benefits make it a popular choice for both everyday meals and special occasions. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a side dish to impress guests, this recipe fits the bill.
Give this Aloo Palak recipe a try and let the flavors of India transform your dining experience. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and variations in the comments below. If you enjoyed this recipe, explore more potato and spinach recipes Indian style and other vegetarian delights on easycrispyrecipes.com. Share the recipe with friends and subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious updates.