Olla-Podrida: Sag Aloo

I am a fan of “Gavin and Stacey.” It is a British comedy/drama that centers around the title characters, he from Essex, she from Wales, and how they come together, joining two very different families. It is funny, pleasant, poignant, sad, touching, and my “go to” show any time I’m feeling down. I think I have watched this three-season program all the way through 4 or 5 times.

One of my favorite scenes is when Gavin’s best friend, Smithy (played by James Corden), and Gavin’s family are ordering Indian takeout. One of the dishes ordered is Sag Aloo, a dish with which I was unfamiliar. Naturally, I had to investigate. It turns out it is a delicious potato and spinach side dish, that is easy to make (although there is a bit of chopping) and suitable for any meal of the day. I enjoyed it with Firecracker Salmon on (you guessed it) the Fourth of July, and this morning again with an omelet (also significant in “Gavin and Stacey”) for brunch. It is delicious!

The original recipe called for red chili peppers, I didn’t have any of those so I used one of my homegrown jalapeños. The original recipe also called for black mustard seeds, and I only had brown, so I made that substitution as well. I’m going to be eating a lot of this because it makes a plain dinner quite exotic and fancy.

Sag Aloo

2 T. canola oil
1 3-oz. pkg. Melissa’s shallots, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 T. minced fresh ginger
2 c. cubed, peeled potatoes (I used Yukon Gold)
1 jalapeño, halved, seeded and sliced
1/2 t. brown mustard seeds
1/2 t. cumin seeds
1/2 t. turmeric
1/2 t. kosher salt
2 handfuls fresh, washed baby spinach

Heat oil over medium high heat in a 10-inch sauté pan. Add shallots, garlic, and ginger, and sauté for 2-3 minutes.

Stir in potatoes, jalapeño, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, turmeric, and salt, and continue cooking and stirring for 5 minutes more.

Add 1/2 cup water, cover, and cook for 8 minutes.

Check to see that the potatoes are done to your liking by spearing them with the point of a knife. If so, add spinach, give it a stir, cover, and let the spinach wilt into the pan. Remove from heat and serve.