Spicy Spinach and Potato Delight
Savor the delightful combination of tender diced potatoes and vibrant spinach in this easy-to-make side dish. Adapted from Madhur Jaffrey's World of the East Vegetarian Cooking, this recipe incorporates warm spices that give a satisfying kick without overwhelming the palate. Adding chickpeas not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds a lovely texture that complements the dish perfectly. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this dish is sure to impress your guests and become a regular in your kitchen repertoire.
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Yukon Gold potatoes
5 medium (peeled and diced into 3/4 inch cubes)
Salt
1 tablespoon (for boiling)
Fresh spinach
1 lb (washed and chopped (or 10 oz pkg frozen chopped spinach))
Vegetable oil or ghee
6 tablespoons (for frying)
Whole mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon
Onion
1 medium (peeled and chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (peeled and minced)
Garam masala
1 teaspoon
Cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (optional)
Chickpeas
1/2 cup (optional, drained and rinsed if canned)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring 2 1/2 quarts of water to a rolling boil. While waiting, peel the potatoes and cut them into 3/4-inch cubes.
2
Once the water is boiling, add the diced potatoes along with 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring the water back to a boil.
3
Cover the pot, turn the heat down to low, and let the potatoes cook until they are just tender, about 6 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them.
4
Drain the potatoes and allow them to cool in a colander. While they cool, you can prepare the spinach.
5
For fresh spinach, wash it thoroughly, then drop it into a large kettle of boiling water to wilt for about 1-2 minutes. Drain the spinach and squeeze out as much water as possible. Chop it finely. If using frozen spinach, follow the package instructions, drain, and squeeze out excess liquid. Set aside.
6
In a heavy, preferably nonstick skillet (12-inch), heat the vegetable oil or ghee over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to get very hot.
7
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the mustard seeds. When they begin to pop (after a few seconds), quickly add the chopped onion and the minced garlic.
8
Reduce the heat to medium and sauté the onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes, until the onions are lightly browned at the edges.
9
Add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Stir and fry for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
10
Finally, gently fold in the cooked potatoes, garam masala, cayenne pepper (if using), and chickpeas (if desired). Stir well to mix, allowing everything to heat through. Adjust seasoning with a dash of salt if needed.
11
Once heated, serve warm as a delightful side dish.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
18.75g
Carbs
3.75g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Spinach and Potato Delight?
It is a flavorful side dish featuring tender diced potatoes and vibrant spinach, adapted from Madhur Jaffrey's World of the East Vegetarian Cooking.
Is Spicy Spinach and Potato Delight suitable for vegans?
Yes, if you use vegetable oil instead of ghee, the dish is entirely vegan.
What kind of potatoes should I use?
The recipe specifies 5 medium Yukon Gold potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 1 lb of fresh spinach with a 10 oz package of frozen chopped spinach.
How many calories are in this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
How long should I boil the potatoes?
Boil the diced potatoes for about 6 minutes until they are just tender, being careful not to overcook them.
What size should the potatoes be cut into?
Potatoes should be peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
This dish provides approximately 3.75g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in Spicy Spinach and Potato Delight?
The dish contains about 7.5g of fat per serving.
What spices are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for whole mustard seeds, garam masala, and optional cayenne pepper.
How do I prepare fresh spinach for this dish?
Wash it thoroughly, wilt it in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, drain, squeeze out the water, and chop finely.
Are chickpeas required for this recipe?
No, chickpeas are an optional addition that boosts nutritional value and adds texture.
What is the purpose of the mustard seeds?
Mustard seeds are added to hot oil to pop, which releases their unique flavor into the base of the dish.
How long do I need to sauté the spinach?
Stir and fry the spinach in the skillet for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What kind of oil is best for frying?
You can use either 6 tablespoons of vegetable oil or ghee.
How much fiber does this dish contain?
There are approximately 2.5g of fiber per serving.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and features nutrient-dense ingredients like spinach and potatoes.
How do I prevent the potatoes from getting mushy?
Only boil them for 6 minutes until just tender and allow them to cool in a colander before frying.
When should I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic quickly after the mustard seeds begin to pop, along with the chopped onion.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 18.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the heat level of this dish?
It has a satisfying kick from the spices, which can be adjusted by adding or omitting the 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Do I need a special pan for this recipe?
A heavy, preferably 12-inch nonstick skillet is recommended for the best results.
How long does it take to cook the onions?
Sauté the onions and garlic for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are lightly browned at the edges.
Can I serve this as a main course?
While intended as a side dish, adding the optional chickpeas makes it a more substantial vegetarian option.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe includes 10 primary ingredients.
How do I incorporate the garam masala?
Gently fold the garam masala in at the final stage along with the potatoes and optional chickpeas.
Is salt included in the nutritional breakdown?
The sodium content is not specified in the data, though 1 tablespoon of salt is used for boiling the potatoes.
Is this a complex recipe?
No, it is tagged as one of our simple recipes and is designed to be easy to make.
Can I use red potatoes instead?
While Yukon Golds are recommended for their texture, you could substitute with other boiling potatoes if needed.
Should the spinach be chopped before or after cooking?
Fresh spinach should be wilted, drained, squeezed, and then finely chopped.