Pakistani cuisine is known for its rich and flavorful dishes, and one such dish that stands out is Aloo Palak. Aloo Palak is a delicious combination of potatoes and spinach cooked with aromatic spices. It is not only easy to make but also healthy and nutritious.
To make the best easy Pakistani Aloo Palak recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
– 2 cups of spinach (fresh or frozen)
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 tomatoes, pureed
– 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust according to your taste)
– Salt to taste
– Oil for cooking
To start, heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for a minute.
Next, add the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the masala. Now, add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a minute.
Add the cubed potatoes and spinach to the pan. If using fresh spinach, blanch it beforehand. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the masala. Cover the pan and cook on low heat until the potatoes are tender and the spinach is wilted.
Once cooked, garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with naan or rice. This dish pairs well with yogurt or raita.
FAQs:
1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw it before adding it to the recipe.
2. Can I use other vegetables instead of potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute potatoes with other vegetables like peas or cauliflower.
3. Can I skip the tomatoes?
Tomatoes add tanginess and texture to the dish, but if you don’t have them, you can skip them or use tomato paste instead.
4. Can I make it spicy?
Yes, you can increase the amount of red chili powder or add green chilies for extra spice.
5. Can I make it vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan-friendly.
6. Can I add cream or yogurt?
Yes, you can add a dollop of cream or yogurt at the end for a creamy twist.
7. How long does it take to cook Aloo Palak?
It takes approximately 20-25 minutes to cook this dish.
8. Can I use baby spinach?
Yes, baby spinach works well too.
9. Can I store leftovers?
Yes, you can refrigerate leftovers for up to 2-3 days.
10. Can I freeze Aloo Palak?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to a month. Thaw and reheat before serving.
11. Can I serve Aloo Palak with roti?
Yes, it goes well with roti, naan, or rice.