Illustration of potato cubes mixed with dark green spinach and tomato.

Aloo Palak recipe

Potatoes and fresh spinach cook with onion, tomato, and warm spices in a lightly sauced skillet dish.

An original home-cooking guide from our recipe collection; not an orderable restaurant product. Timings are approximate and may vary with your equipment.

Serves: 4Prep: 15 minCook: 35 min

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450 g) potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
  • 10 ounces (280 g) fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
  • 1 medium tomato, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon fine salt, or to taste
  • 1/3 cup water, plus more as needed
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Method

  1. Heat the oil in a wide lidded skillet over medium heat and add the cumin seeds.
  2. When they begin to sizzle, add the onion and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
  3. Add the garlic and ginger and stir for 30 seconds, then add the tomato, turmeric, coriander, chili powder, and salt.
  4. Cook the tomato mixture for 4 minutes, stirring, until it softens into a thick base.
  5. Add the potato cubes and toss until coated with the seasoning.
  6. Pour in the water, cover the skillet, and cook over low-medium heat for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the potatoes are nearly tender.
  7. Add the spinach in handfuls, turning it into the pan as it wilts; add a spoonful of water if the skillet looks dry.
  8. Cover and cook for 5 to 7 minutes more until the potatoes are tender and the spinach is cooked down.
  9. Stir in the lemon juice, adjust the salt if needed, and serve warm.

Kitchen notes

  • Cut the potatoes into similarly sized pieces so they cook evenly.
  • If using frozen spinach, thaw it and squeeze out excess water before adding; use about 8 ounces (225 g).
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