Aloo Palak Recipe: A Nutritious and Flavorful Delight

 

Aloo Palak Recipe: A Nutritious and Flavorful Delight

Aloo Palak, a delightful blend of potatoes (aloo) and spinach (palak), is a popular North Indian dish. This recipe combines the earthiness of potatoes with the nutritional benefits of spinach, resulting in a dish that is both delicious and healthy. Whether you're looking for a hearty side dish or a main course, Aloo Palak is a versatile and satisfying option. In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making this flavorful dish

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Ingredients

To prepare Aloo Palak, you will need the following ingredients:

• 3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and chopped
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2-3 green chilies, slit
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 2-3 tablespoons oil
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

1. Blanch the spinach: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the spinach leaves and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to retain the vibrant green color.
2. Blend the spinach: Once cooled, drain the spinach and blend it into a smooth puree using a food processor or blender. Set aside.
   
   
   

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

1. Heat oil: In a large pan or kadai, heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
2. Add cumin and mustard seeds: Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Let them splutter for a few seconds.
3. Sauté onions: Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
4. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies: Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the raw smell of the ginger-garlic paste disappears.
5. Add tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.

Step 3: Combine Potatoes and Spices

1. Add diced potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pan and mix well.
2. Add spices: Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt. Stir to coat the potatoes with the spices.
3. Cook the potatoes: Cover the pan and let the potatoes cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Add Spinach Puree

1. Add the spinach puree: Once the potatoes are cooked through, add the spinach puree to the pan and mix well.
2. Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

1. Add garam masala: Sprinkle garam masala over the dish and mix well.
2. Garnish: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Aloo Palak can be enjoyed with a variety of Indian breads like roti, naan, or paratha. It also pairs well with steamed rice or jeera rice. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a cooling raita and some pickles.

Nutritional Benefits

Spinach is rich in iron, vitamins A and C, and other essential nutrients. Potatoes add a good amount of carbohydrates and dietary fiber to the dish. Together, they make Aloo Palak a nutritious option for any meal.