Description
Easy Saag Aloo is a delicious and comforting Indian vegetarian dish made with tender potatoes and fresh spinach, flavored with a blend of aromatic spices. This recipe offers a perfect balance of hearty textures and vibrant flavors, making it an ideal side or main for any meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt, to taste
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup water
- Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes. Wash and roughly chop the spinach, then set aside.
- Heat the Oil: In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and sauté until they begin to crackle, releasing their aroma.
- Sauté Onions: Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pan and stir well to combine with the aromatics. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the potatoes to start absorbing the flavors.
- Spice it Up: Sprinkle turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt over the mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure the spices coat the potatoes evenly.
- Add Water and Simmer: Pour in half a cup of water, cover the pan with a lid, and let it cook for approximately 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking and to promote even cooking.
- Incorporate Spinach: Once the potatoes are almost tender, add the chopped spinach to the pan. Stir well and continue cooking, covered, for another 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the potatoes are fully cooked.
- Finish with Garam Masala: Sprinkle the garam masala over the dish and stir to combine the layers of flavor. Remove the pan from heat.
- Serve and Garnish: For an optional fresh twist, squeeze some lemon juice over the Saag Aloo before serving. Enjoy it warm as a flavorful side or main dish.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture; frozen spinach can also be used but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Adjust spices to taste, especially salt and garam masala, to suit your preference.
- Serve Saag Aloo with rice or Indian bread such as roti or naan for a complete meal.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of cream or yogurt before serving.
- Peeling the potatoes is optional; leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients.
