Description
Aloo Palak (Saag Aloo) is a healthy and easy vegan Indian dish where tender potatoes are cooked with fresh spinach leaves and aromatic spices. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this flavorful dish is nutritious, comforting, and can be made creamy with optional coconut milk.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch spinach leaves (300–400 g)
- 250 g baby potatoes or 4 medium potatoes
- 1 medium white onion, finely chopped
- 4–5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- ½ inch ginger, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 green chilli
- 2 tsp coriander powder
- ½–1 tsp red chilli powder (to taste)
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- ½ tsp garam masala (powdered whole spice mix)
- ¼ tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek, roasted and powdered) – optional
- ½ cup coconut milk or coconut cream – optional
- 3–4 tbsp oil for cooking
Instructions
- Wash and clean the spinach leaves. Blanch and cool in ice water, then puree to a smooth paste.
- Boil or steam the potatoes until fork-tender, then peel and dice. Shallow fry until golden and set aside.
- For the gravy: blend tomato, ginger, garlic, and green chilli to a smooth paste.
- Heat oil in a pan, add a bay leaf, then sauté chopped onion and 2 cloves garlic until translucent.
- Add pureed tomato paste and cook until fragrant. Stir in coriander, red chilli, turmeric, and cumin powders.
- Add cooked potatoes and simmer 2 minutes, then stir in spinach puree. Add ¼ cup water or coconut milk and season with salt.
- Add fried potatoes to the gravy. Finish with garam masala, kasuri methi, and a dash of lemon juice. Optional: add extra coconut milk for creaminess.
- Alternatively, for stir-fry method: sauté onions, garlic, and partially cooked potatoes. Add chopped spinach and spices, cook 3–4 minutes, then finish with garam masala and lemon juice.
Notes
- Paneer or tofu can replace potatoes for variation.
- Adjust green chillies and red chilli powder for spice level.
- Optional coconut milk adds creaminess.
- Taste and adjust salt after cooking as spinach reduces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian