I am seriously hoping you are having a great start of the week, because it seems luck is not on my side these days.
Lately, there has been a lot of questioning such as “when am I giving every one a good news“.Scratch that.
Lately, there has been a lot of talk about where are the babies in our lives?
Apparently, the Husband, me and my self-proclaimed sense of humor is not enough for our families. And that pressure resulted me in ranting about baby woes not only here, but on the personal blog as well.
2 rants at 2 places in 2 days?!? The pressure is ON full speed!!! I have no issues with expectations from our families. What annoys me so much are random people, asking all this weird questions. Throwing blank stares as if they have the right to know and understand why we are still childless.
Hmmph!!
To all ladies out there sharing similar pressure in life: Know that you aren’t alone in this matter. Some might just laugh at why this is such an important topic.
Perhaps they are too dumb to understand. I’m sending a silent prayer in hopes they acquire enough smartness soon. If not, how sad are they?
See, it’s easy to switch the focus around, ignore the regular baby demand and continue praying for the less privileged in our lives.
It’s all about refocusing, and I’m doing that with this comforting bowl of baby potatoes simmered gently in a spiced spinach gravy.
Adapted from Indian: a culinary journey of discovery by Mridula Baljekar
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 12 oz baby potatoes (any color)
- 9 oz spinach leaves
- 3 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 large onion, finely sliced
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- 2 tsp garlic paste
- 2 tsp ginger paste
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 7 oz chopped tomatoes
- 3 tbsp fresh thick yogurt, beaten
Directions:
- Cook the potatoes in their skins in a saucepan of boiling water for 20 minutes or until fork tender.
- Peel, halve or quarter potatoes according to the size.
- Blanch spinach in a large saucepan of boiling salted water for 30 seconds, then drain.
- Transfer blanched spinach into a blender or food processor to puree. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring frequently for a few minutes until well browned.
- Add chili, ginger and garlic paste. Cook over low heat, stirring for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Sprinkle in coriander, cumin, chili and turmeric powder and cook (stirring) for 1 minute.
- Add tomatoes and juice, increase heat to medium and sprinkle in some sugar.
- Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 6 minutes, or until tomatoes reaches a paste-like consistency.
- Add peeled and cooled baby potatoes, spinach and salt. Cook stirring for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Stir in fresh thick yogurt and cook for another 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and serve hot with rotis, basmati rice or naans.
On a lighter subject: I’m one of the finalist selected by SAVEUR Magazine for it’s 3rd Annual 2012 Best Food Blog award (in Best Recipe, Sweet or Savory category)!!! I appreciate your votes so much!! If you haven’t vote, please consider helping me to win. Here’s how to do it or click the badge on the right sidebar 🙂
Thankyousoveryverymuch…
Don’t be afraid to share your woes, tell me. Who’s being so nosy in your life lately?
Comments on this entry are closed.
A marvelous recipe! I’m a huge fan of baby potatoes and spices, so I’m sure I’d really enjoy your beautiful dish.
Cheers,
Rosa
I know that feeling! I really don’t know why people feel the need to interfere in other people’s lives so much! Delicious recipe though, one of my favourites!
hehe…I am totally with on the baby topic Kiran. OMG, I flash my best smile as the answer to this question to random aunties and uncles.I have no idea how they can comment on our lives without knowing anything about it!! And I am so scared to have the husband beside me at such times, he cannot tolerate this nonsense and tells them to mind their own buisness 😀 Though I want them to do exactly that, you never know which aunty knows what aunty and who gossips with who!!
Ambika recently posted..Banana Oatmeal Pancakes with an Easy Berry Syrup
What a fantastic way to serve spinach and potatoes in one wholesome, flavorful side dish! This looks so delicious, Kiran. Thanks for sharing!
Some people can be so rude, sorry. You live your life !! such a comfort dish, love the colorful glass of goodness next to it!
vianney recently posted..Chef Aarón Sánchez’s Slow Roasted Chipotle Chicken #ComerJuntos {Giveaway}
Hello Kiran! So many woes in life… mine is not knowing what tomorrow will bring, you know, marriage wise and security wise… but oh well… I guess I will just have to enjoy the ride and keep working on making it head to somewhere permanent someday. This recipe looks so darn good! Love all the spices that are getting mixed in the veggies! LOVE IT!
Margarita recently posted..Crunchy Tofu with Buttery Soy Sauce
My husband and I actually had children when we were young and still newly married and endured just the opposite from our families. We got the “why are you having kids already” questions. Just stay strong and don’t give in until you’re good and ready!
Jen at The Three Little Piglets recently posted..May I Speak to the Manager Please
Oh Yum! This looks incredible! Thank you for making it Vegan 🙂 x
Cass @foodmyfriend recently posted..Apple Cinnamon Tea Cake
Kiran,
People can be so presumptuous, insensitive and self-centered. Sorry you have to deal with it. Rant away my friend! And this recipe looks heavenly. I am bookmarking!
Alyssa @ Everyday Maven recently posted..Curry Chicken {Slow Cooker}
Grrr @ the presumptuous people!
I love how you used purple potatoes with spinach. Bookmarking this .
Ansh recently posted..Mango Oats Smoothie
I know what u are saying Kiran… I have lived with these question for 2yrs, sometime I use to feel as if I am answerable to very person walking on the street why are we not planning a child…
My advice Hun…IGNORE!!!
People love trying to somehow interfere in others life… Dumb!!
Anyways… These potatoes look really good… I also make them but I like u used baby potatoes here, will try them soon….
Our family is really big on potatoes… LOL
first of all, your photos are gorgeous!! secondly, i love this potato spinach recipe & everything that is indian food! thirdly & most importantly, i hate to say that sadly there will be endless insensitive remarks, esp from ppl who are close (or once close!:) to us! build your own mental fort and thus, whatever ppl say, it won’t hurt you, or tell them all to ‘fly kite’ (a M’sian wld know this expression :). there are 7 billion ppl in the world – crime rate is so much higher everywhere, stress is more, diseases are increasing, healthcare is getting more expensive and the whole environment is badly sacrificed due to increased population. so, being ‘child free’ is actually our unsung contribution to not adding to more woes in the world! hope you feel better my dear! :))
petite nyonya recently posted..Apple Plum Almond Cream Tart
How colorful and pretty!
sailing in d same boat…and all i can say is smile and just ignore those wonky overly-curious relatives… worked for me till now haha 😀 are those purple baby potatoes? how pretty the dish is..
Deeps @ Naughty Curry recently posted..Stay cool with Cucumber Idli (steamed rice cakes with cucumber)
After I had my daughter someone said to me that you’re not *really* a parent until you’ve had two. Implying I needed to get right back at it. People can say the strangest things sometimes. I’m sorry you’re going through this. And I’m impressed that you’re finding comfort food in such healthy ways! I’m wishing the best for you, my friend!
Marly recently posted..Green Monster Hummus
I am sorry to hear that people are pressuring you that way 🙁
Sometimes, even the well-meaning inquirers don’t understand that they shouldn’t go there and that they should be more respectful in their comments…
These potatoes are absolutely lovely. I am printing this one out now…
Cher recently posted..TWD Baking w/ Julia: Lemon Loaves (Chocolate Espresso Pudding)
I love baby potatoes, this dish is really cool, not my usual potatoes, change is good when it looks so delicious!
Catalina @ Cake with Love recently posted..Vegan No Bake Chocolate Coconut Butter Crunchy Balls
These potatoes look scrumptious. Would love to eat that with white basmati rice and a dal. Yummy!
Asmita recently posted..Raisin Pecan Oatmeal Cookies
Awe, I’m sorry Kiran. No pressure from me! Just keep popping out great recipes and I’ll be happy. 😉
Sommer@ASpicyPerspective recently posted..Perky Pimento Cheese
Congratulations and I’ve voted.
These potatoes look really interesting and I would love a bite. Totally new to me!
btw.. ignore the family on the baby issue. Frankly that sort of thing is only the business of you and the mister. I do understand their desire for grandchildren but they don’t have a horse in this race. 🙂
Maureen @ Orgasmic Chef recently posted..Butternut, Cashew and Ginger Soup
I dont like when some people ask me why we still dont have kids after beeing married for 4 years. Siriously I think so this people have some problems in their own lifes!
Why do u call this dish saag aloo and not palak aloo? what the meaing of saag in general. Looks awesome by the way Kiran!
Girlie, I totally understand your pain! I’ve got everyone giving me those looks and family hounding me too and it’s annoying to say the least. I want to tell them that my plan for babies does not include every random person’s approval. Oh well! I just do my best to ignore them. Tackling family about this is a totally different ball-game though! Sigh.
I’m glad you turned to this lovely dish for comfort. I love Saag aloo!
Amrita (Beetlebuggy) recently posted..Parmesan and Fontina Beignets by April Bloomfield
This recipe looks awesome, love-y!! And boo! to anyone who is pressuring you!! Hope you’re having a happier night 😉
Ashley – Baker by Nature recently posted..Upside-Down Pear Chocolate Cake
These potatoes look amazing! I want to try them!
Platter looks delicious,..
notyet100 recently posted..this is life ,Carry On…
WOW – this looks amazing!!
the wicked noodle recently posted..spanikopita
Absolutely delicious!!!
Emily @Cleanliness recently posted..A Neighborhood Chili Cook-Off & Smoked Gouda Crackers
Yes, people can be ignorant sometimes. So very sad! Don’t let them pressure you. You know whats best for YOU, they do not! And these baby pots look amazing! I adore the spinach gravy! Genius!! I want to have dinner at your house!
Katie {Epicurean Mom Blog} recently posted..Blood Orange Sangria Recipe
That is a decision that only you can make Kiran 🙂
As for the potato and spinach looks so flavorful with all the spices in it.
Love this potato dish! Great flavors!
Maria recently posted..Edamame Avocado Salad Sandwich
i don’t like nosy people too…you should just ignore 😉 the potatoes look so darn delicious !
shruti @ a spoonful of yumm recently posted..Photo Wednesday – Tea Estates , Munnar
I know the feeling! I don’t understand peoples need to interfere with others lives. Maybe it shows they are satisfied in their own. Just continue on the same path and be happy together, which you obviously both are 😀
Another gorgeous dish, those potatoes look amazing.
Jennifer (Delicieux) recently posted..Honey Roasted Fig Ice Cream
I swear I just want to cook my way through your blog! These potatoes look scrumptious 🙂
Aggie recently posted..Let’s Get Moving and Get Healthy Giveaway!
love saag aloo. never made with baby potatoes though, just idaho. i posted about your baby comment on your personal blog… Indian families are SO ANNOYING!
it’s a good and bad blend of all of it.
honeywhatscooking recently posted..Friday’s Favorite Things – 4.13.12
People have lost their manners, it’s no one’s business but your own what you choose to do or when you choose to do it.
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen recently posted..Raw Asparagus and Mushroom Salad with Walnuts and Miso Dressing
Kiran, I love how you’ve completely rearranged two very common ingredients into a very exciting and flavorful dish. Truly, the mark of a talented cook! Brava!
those potatoes are gorgeous! I love saag, and have made saag aloo with the best of new potatoes here in london i.e. jersey royals. but am now really hooked on the purple potatoes you’ve featured here. they look out of this world. great recipe, and will be sure to give your saag a try this year.
This looks delicious – potatoes, spinach, yogurt, what a great combination!
Biana | Meal Planning Tips recently posted..Cole Slaw Recipe
Sorry people are bugging you 🙁
This recipe however is just fantastic! I am loving the combination of flavors 🙂
Magic of Spice recently posted..What’s for snack time? Tequila Lime Roasted Garlic and Chipotle Artichokes
people are so stupid. it is none of anyone’s business as to what you are doing or what you want to do or get in life.
you get baby potatoes in two colors, there. we get them in only one color, here. a beautiful recipe with the colors of the food complimenting each other very well in all the photos.
dassana recently posted..white bread – eggless, dairy free & just 15 minutes of your time
I absolutely adore saag aloo and cannot wait to try this recipe!!
We too keep getting the baby questioning, slightly different version of when are we having another though…none of their business are the 2 we have not good enough for them? Any surely the question should be ARE you having another not when?
Lucy recently posted..Bid Writing
I love Indian food for using potato dishes (which I love). Marrying to a Chinese (Taiwanese but Chinese cuisine don’t have many potato dish!) who is not into potatoes, it’s so hard to cook anything with potatoes. I’d be a really happy camper in your kitchen!
Nami | Just One Cookbook recently posted..Japan Trip 2012 vol 1
Aloo saag! Such a delight to have this with warm and freshly made rotis. 🙂
Baker Street recently posted..Cookies and Cream Pound Cake