Spinach Potato (Aloo Palak) Vegetable Recipe

Heart-Healthy Aloo Palak: A Comforting Spinach & Potato Recipe Packed With Nutrition

Recently I ended up having a lot of spinach (several bags) in my kitchen that I needed to use up fast. Here is the story:

I went to volunteer at a food pantry. At the end of the day we ended up having lot of extra bags of spinach that were close to expiration date. We could not keep up them for a few days since they were expiring that day and we were not able to find another place to donate quickly. As a result we had 2 choices; either the volunteers take home the bags of spinach or they are composted.

I feel really bad about wasting food. Growing up in India I saw so much hunger on the streets, that stayed with me forever. So, I decided to bring home several bags of spinach which no one else wanted to take. Now is the hard job; how do I cook these quickly since they can't be stored much longer and suddenly I remembered a dish that I have not made in a while which is Alu Palak. It is easy, tasty, healthy and is a great use of lots of spinach. 

This simple, earthy combination of tender potatoes and vibrant spinach is naturally rich in fiber, potassium, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, making it an excellent choice for anyone watching their heart health. What’s even better is that this recipe is made with minimal oil, uses whole ingredients, and comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it a smart weeknight dinner option.

Spinach has long been celebrated as a heart-friendly leafy green. Packed with folate, magnesium, nitrates, and vitamin K, spinach supports healthy blood pressure levels and helps improve overall cardiovascular function. Potatoes, often misunderstood, can also fit beautifully into a heart-healthy diet when prepared without deep frying. They are naturally rich in potassium; a key mineral that helps counteract the effects of sodium and supports healthy blood pressure. The combination of spinach and potatoes creates a fiber-dense, nutrient-balanced dish that keeps you full, energized, and satisfied without added heaviness.

Aloo Palak also benefits from traditional Indian spices, many of which offer their own cardioprotective properties. Turmeric provides curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound. Cumin aids digestion and offers antioxidant benefits. Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and circulation-boosting effects. When all of these are simmered together with heart-healthy olive oil, the result is a deeply flavorful dish that nourishes from the inside out.

Here’s how to make this wholesome Aloo Palak at home. 

Spinach Potato (Aloo Palak) Recipe

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

• 2 cups fresh spinach (packed), washed and chopped

• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1–2 green chilies (skip if you do not want any heat)

• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 1tsp methi seeds (optional)

• ½ tsp turmeric powder

• 1 tsp coriander powder

• ½ tsp cumin powder

• ½–1 tsp garam masala

• ½ tsp red chili powder (optional, adjust to taste)

• 1.5–2 tbsp olive oil 

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Instructions

1. Prepare the base

Heat the oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds (and methi seeds, optional) and let them splutter. I also added some chilis/jalapenos that were also leftover at the food pantry. 

2. Add the potatoes

Add the potatoes and sauté till light golden. 

3. Add onion, ginger and garlic

Add the onion, ginger, and garlic and cook for few minutes

4. Add the spinach

Add the chopped spinach. It will wilt quickly—mix to combine with the potatoes.
Cook uncovered for another 5–6 minutes until the spinach is cooked and the potatoes are tender.

6. Finish

Sprinkle garam masala, mix, and cook for another minute.

One of the best things about Aloo Palak is it's versatility. You can keep it dry for a roti-friendly side dish or add a splash of water for a softer, saucier texture. It pairs wonderfully with whole wheat rotis, brown rice, or even quinoa for extra fiber and plant protein. A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing zing.

This heart-healthy Aloo Palak is a beautiful example of how traditional recipes can be enjoyed in a nourishing, wholesome way. It’s comforting, flavorful, and filled with ingredients that support long-term cardiovascular wellness. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving something warm and grounding, this spinach and potato dish is a delicious and nutritious choice that you can feel good about. Enjoy!!