Saag Aloo (Spinach and Potato Curry)

In saag aloo, tender potatoes and leafy greens come together in a thick, gently spiced North Indian-style curry. The dish is known for its earthy spinach base, soft potato pieces and warm savoury seasoning from cumin, turmeric, garam masala, ginger, garlic and chilli. A little ghee gives the curry roundness, while lemon added at the end keeps the finish fresh rather than heavy. Spoonable and comforting without being complicated, it works well with rice, chapatis or naan, and is easy to adjust for a milder or richer result.
Cuisine style North Indian-style home cooking
Spice level Mild
Cooking style One-pot cooking • Freezer-friendly
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Layered savoury base: Softened onion, ginger, garlic and warm spices build depth before the potatoes simmer.
  • Naturally thick texture: The potatoes release starch as they cook, helping the spinach curry become thick and spoonable without cream.
  • Bright finish: A squeeze of lemon at the end cuts through the ghee and lifts the earthy spinach.

Get the most out of this recipe

Adjust the heat

  • For less heat: Remove the chilli seeds or use less fresh chilli, keeping the ginger and spices for warmth.
  • For more heat: Add extra fresh chilli or a pinch of cayenne, then balance with lemon at the end.

Texture tips

  • For a thicker curry: Lightly crush a few potato pieces against the side of the pot and stir them back through the spinach.
  • Keep the spinach vivid: Add the spinach only after the potatoes are tender so it wilts into the curry without becoming dull and overcooked.

Ingredient notes

  • Choose waxy potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape well while still softening enough to thicken the curry.
  • Use ghee for depth: Ghee gives the curry a rounded, nutty richness; butter works too, but should be cooked more gently.
  • Finish with citrus: Add lemon gradually at the end so the curry tastes bright without becoming sharp.

Make-ahead tips

  • Good for meal prep: The curry keeps well in the fridge for several days and reheats gently with a splash of water.
  • Freezes well: Freeze after cooking, then defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating until piping hot.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Peel the potatoes and cut into 2 cm chunks. Thinly slice the onion, finely chop the green chilli, and grate the ginger; finely grate or crush the garlic. Rinse the spinach and shake off excess water.
  2. Heat the ghee in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring, until soft and lightly golden. Stir in the chilli, ginger and garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the ground cumin, ground turmeric and garam masala and cook for 30 seconds, stirring so the spices do not catch. Tip in the potatoes and stir well to coat. Add 300 ml water, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 12 to 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
  4. Add the spinach in handfuls, stirring until wilted and glossy. Simmer uncovered for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the curry is thick and spoonable. If it looks dry before the potatoes are tender, add a splash of water and continue simmering.
  5. Remove from the heat and squeeze in lemon juice to taste. Rest for 2 minutes so the flavours settle, then serve hot. If you like it richer, swirl in a little extra ghee just before serving.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • For a thicker, more traditional texture, lightly crush a few potato pieces against the side of the pot, then stir them back through the spinach.
  • Keep the heat at medium when cooking the spices in ghee; if they darken too quickly, add the potatoes straight away to stop them catching.
  • If serving to vulnerable groups, ensure the potatoes are fully tender and the curry is piping hot throughout before serving.

Substitutions

  • Replace Ghee with Unsalted butter for a similar richness, but keep the heat slightly lower to prevent it browning too quickly.
  • Replace Lemon with Lime for a sharper, more aromatic finish.
  • Replace Green chili pepper with a smaller amount of Cayenne pepper for heat without fresh chilli flavour.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan with a splash of water, stirring until piping hot; the spinach will soften further. Freeze for up to 2 months and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Saag Aloo (Spinach and Potato Curry)
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 3 servings
  • Total time: 40min (20min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Allergens:
    Milk
Beginner friendly One pot Freezer friendly Kid friendly

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