Saag Aloo
As a foody (yes, with a “y”), I’m not limited to one type of food. I’ve been exploring diverse food cultures for decades and my curiosity won’t stop anytime soon. It’s been a passion that brought me to try new and exotic dishes from around the world 🌍.
Pakistani and Indian cuisines are among my top five favorites 💖. Both have aromatic and complex flavor profiles. These cultures are not afraid to season their food with a range of ingredients, spices, and herbs. It can be anything from vegetarian dishes to meats.
A fragrant dish that we enjoy is Saag Aloo! This comforting vegetarian recipe is simply lovely. With potatoes and spinach along with a wide range of seasonings, it has a nice earthy and savory aroma with slight tangy notes from the tomatoes and lemon juice 🍋!
I use Yukon Gold potatoes 🥔 because they hold their shape without falling apart. I highly suggest staying away from russets which can turn into mash. When boiling potatoes, I cook them until just fork-tender, 10 to 12 minutes at most.
Traditionally, there are chili peppers in a Saag Aloo. Recently, I’ve been experiencing some heartburn so I’ve been cutting back on the “heat” 🔥, but I still incorporate some cayenne pepper. If you want to add some peppers when sautéing the onions, go ahead. I recommend using serrano, jalapeño, or bird’s eye chilies.
It’s very easy to get distracted, especially when I’m filming…
In the video, I add my well-drained cooked potatoes to the mixture followed by the baby spinach leaves. THAT’S WRONG! The spinach 🍃 has to go in the mixture first, and after being wilted, then the potatoes go in. I could’ve redone the video but it takes time so I’m sure you can adjust this step.
Considered a part of the culinary heritage of both nations (Pakistan and India), Saag Aloo is a classic Punjabi dish! The combination of iron-rich spinach, potatoes and herbs/spices offers a nutritious meal on its own but can also be enjoyed as a side. I like it as is and serve it with naan, roti, or rice 🍚.
Bon Appétit!🍽
NOTE: A similar healthy dish you should also try is this one… Aloo Gobi.
Check out these other delicious Pakistani and Indian recipes… 😀
– Samosas
– Lamb Keema
– Bunny Chow
– Slow Cooker Beef Curry
– Chicken Chapli Kebab
– Mango Chutney
– Pork Vindaloo
– Indian Basmati with Dry Fruits
– Indian Butter Chicken
– Kashmiri Chai Tea • Pink Tea
and for even more International recipes 🌍, click on this link… Recipe Category • International
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Saag Aloo
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Ingredients
POTATOES (ALOO)
- 1 1/2 lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed, washed and cut into 1 1/2-inch to 2-inch pieces
- coarse sea salt
SAAG
- 1 1/2 tbsp. ghee Footnote
- 1 1/2 tbsp. canola oil tips & tricks
- 2 tsp. cumin seeds
- 1 tsp. yellow mustard seeds
- 1 cup yellow onions, chopped
- ground Himalayan pink salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp. ginger, minced
- 3 large cloves garlic, pressed
- 1 tbsp. tomato paste tips & tricks
- 1 tbsp. curry powder
- 1 tsp. ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp. ground turmeric
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper, or to taste
- freshly ground mixed peppercorns, to taste
- 1 can (15 oz.) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups baby spinach leaves, packed
- 1 tsp. garam masala
- 1 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice tips & tricks
- 1 tbsp. fresh chopped cilantro, for garnish
Directions
POTATOES (ALOO)
- In a large pot filled with salty, cold water, add potato pieces and bring to a boil. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until just fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
SAAG
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ghee and oil. When hot, add cumin seeds and mustard seeds; sauté for 1 minute.
- Reduce heat to medium and add onions; season with salt. Sauté for 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and ginger; sauté for 1 minute.
- Add tomato paste and stir to coat.
- Add curry powder, ground coriander, ground turmeric, cayenne pepper, and mixed peppercorns; mix well.
- Add diced tomatoes and bring to a simmer; cook for 5 minutes.
- Working in batches, add a handful of baby spinach and stir to wilt before adding more.
- Add cooked potatoes and toss to coat.
- Add garam masala and lemon juice; stir well.
- Spoon in warm bowls and garnish with cilantro. Serve with basmati, naan bread or roti, and yogurt.
Notes
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One of my favorite meal!
Sorry Frankie, I’m a meat guy and I would have it as a side next to a steak, pork chops or chicken. I like the idea though. Stay warm, it’s -21 here in Saskatoon.
Yikes! That’s cold 🥶. Absolutely. This makes a great side dish. Stay warm, Happy Canuck.
Traidtionally, this dish has Indian red chili for heat.
… or also Thai chili and I explain why I didn’t add any. Like I always say, – “adapt the recipe to your liking”. Have a gorgeous day, Dipshakhar 🌞.
Amazing! You’re right, this can be a meal on its own or a side dish. I think boyfriend will prefer as a side. Thank you chef!
It’s my pleasure, Bee 😀. We like this dish eaither way. Enjoy your day.
I like it but as a side.
That’s the beauty about this recipe. It can be enjoyed as is or as a side. Have a wonderful day 🌞, Mr. Jones.
J’essaie de manger moins de viande et cette recette est parfaite pour moi. Merci du partage.
Au plaisir, Clotilde 😉. C’est une délicieuse recette à essayer. En voici une autre que vous devriez jeter un coup d’œil 👀: Aloo Gobi. Passez une excellente journée!
This is a lovely recipe I’ll be trying soon. Thank you, Frankie.
You’re welcome. Enjoy the recipe, Phil.
love love it