There are days when I wake up grumpy (oh wait, that’s most days). But that’s besides the point. There are days when I don’t feel like doing anything, not even cook! It’s during those times that simple sabzis like this Palak Aloo come to my rescue. Loosely translated, Palak Aloo is a simple stir-fry of spinach & potatoes cooked with minimal spices. You know how we Indians just love our aloo, don’t you? So, even people who do not fancy spinach, eat this mêlée happily because of the potatoes. Happiness!
This recipe makes a simple yet delicious dry palak aloo. There are other versions of the same dish available on the internet where it’s made into a gravy like that in palak paneer, but for some reason I don’t enjoy that as much as I relish this.
I usually make this in winters when spinach is in season, fresh & abundant. Along with being quick to prepare, this recipe is also vegan & a great way to include greens in your everyday cooking 😀 Palak Aloo finds its way into the husband’s lunch box frequently, with some plain paranthas. It can also be served as a side dish to rice & a gravy. So let’s get started on this healthy, hearty, wholesome sabzi 😄
Palak Aloo
Course: MainCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Easy3
servings10
minutes20
minutesA quick & simple stir-fry made with spinach, potatoes & minimal spices.
Ingredients
Spinach: 250 gms; washed & chopped
Potatoes: 2; cut into small pieces
Tomato: 1; finely chopped
Green chilli: 1; finely chopped
Garlic: 6 cloves; finely chopped
Jeera (cumin seeds): 1tsp
Dry red chillies: 2
Turmeric: 1/4tsp
Dhaniya (coriander) powder: 1/2tsp
Red chilli powder: 1/4tsp
Lemon juice: 1tsp
Mustard oil
Salt to taste
Directions
- Heat smoked oil in a kadhai. Add the jeera & let it splutter. Now add the garlic, broken dry red chillies & turmeric powder.
- Once the garlic starts to turn golden, add the tomatoes. Let them soften by cooking covered for 2 minutes.
- Now add the potatoes. Mix well.
- Next, add the salt, red chilli & coriander powders. Add a splash of water if needed & mix everything properly.
- Cover the pan & cook for 5-7 minutes. Keep checking in between.
- Once the potatoes look 80% done, add the spinach. Cook for 4-5 more minutes.
- Once the excess moisture evaporates & the dish is cooked well, check for seasoning. Squeeze some lemon juice to finish!
Notes
- Wash the spinach thoroughly under running water.
- You can skip the tomato if you want. I like the flavour so I add it every time.
- I usually cook this dish in mustard oil & it tastes really good. If you don’t prefer mustard oil, any refined oil works.