Alu Saag, Aloo Saag, Saag Aloo, etc.
I’ve seen it spelled a few different ways. I don’t know what’s right. ย I know that when I ate it at a favorite Indian restaurant of mine,”Taj Mahal” in Louisville, CO with my wife and some friends this weekend I was reminded of how ridiculously tasty this dish is. ย It’s usually made with Spinach and White Potatoes but I decided I would try it with Kale and Sweet Potatoes. ย Two big reasons for that.
- I LOVE SWEET POTATOES
- I had Kale in my fridge
The other reasons are that in my opinion, Sweet Potatoes are superior to Russets or White Potatoes of any kind. ย They are more nutritious, sweeter and have a lower glycemic index (yay!) ย They are my go-to winter food to help keep grounded and help keep sugar cravings at bay. ย (When we “miss” out on a Sweet taste in a meal, we may end up craving sweets more intensely after the meal).
It’s worth mentioning that the spices and herbs used in Indian cooking have some amazing health benefits. ย They have healing, anti-inflammatory and blood sugar stabilizing qualities which means they also help with sugar cravings. ย So if you like curries and the like, then eat lot’s of it, especially homemade versions!
So without further ado, here’s my version of this popular Indian dish. ย It uses all the same spices and you are more than welcome to substitute Spinach for Kale here or use both.
Alu Saag a la Mike
Serves 2 (adjust as needed, You can never have enough greens so just double the whole recipe, it takes just as long to cook for 4 as it does for 2)
Ingredients:
1 bunch of Kale – torn from stems, cut into bit sized pieces and massaged well (this breaks it down, makes it taste better and makes it softer)
2 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 jalapeno, chopped
2 medium sweet potatoes (chopped into cubes or roundish chunks)
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp garam masala
2 tablespoons Coconut Oil or Olive Oil. ย (that’s all I cook with, check my video out in a few days on this)
Salt to taste (I use “Real Salt“)
Directions:
Most Important – Put on good music (I think I had Cee Lo’s Christmas album playing, good vibe) ย The energy you put into making a meal will be evident in the meal itself, don’t ever cook angry. ย Singing and dancing allowed, just not while cutting.
First, Steam or Boil the Potatoes for 10 minutes.
Heat the Oil on medium and saute the garlic and jalapeno pepper for 3 minutes.
Add in cumin and coriander powder. Mix well for a minute then add in the potatoes. ย Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the Potatoes start to brown a little bit.
Add in the Kale and MIX WELL. Turn Heat to low.
Mix in the Garam Masala and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Add salt to taste.
Enjoy! ย You can always serve it over Rice or Quinoa for a twist but I just ate mine as is and it was great.
Make this and/or Share the recipe with your family and friends, it’s a great way to spread health!