Swiss Chard-Potato (Aloo) Sabzi

There is Aloo-Methi Sabzi (Potato-Fenugreek Sabzi), a classic. Then, along the same lines, there came along Aloo-Palak Sabzi (Potato-Spinach Sabzi). Evolving from the classics above, and celebrating the beautiful Swiss Chard abundantly available in California is this recipe.

The Swiss Chard gives you a little bit of sweetness from the beet-like stems, a little bit of pepperiness from the leaves and an overall freshness that only greens can provide. As for the potatoes–what can possibly go wrong when those tubers are on board?

Assembling the Ingredients:

1 cup Swiss Chard, finely chopped

2 med. potatoes, cut into square chunks (each square should be roughly half a thumb size)

1/2 tsp. mustard seeds

2 dried red chilis, roughly broken up

1/2 tsp. ground turmeric

1-11/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

1 tbsp. + 1/2 tsp. oil

Firing Up the Stove:

Cooking the Potatoes

1. Heat 1 tbsp. oil in a pan for 2 mins on med. heat. Add mustard seeds and 2 dried red chilies to the oil. Saute for 2 mins.
2. Add potatoes, stir to mix everything and cook for 5 mins.
3. Add 1 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. turmeric to the potatoes, stir to mix evenly and cook for another 5-7 mins until potatoes are crispy.

Sauteing the Swiss Chard

1. At the same time you start cooking the potatoes add 1/2 tsp. oil to another pan. Heat for 2 mins on med. heat.
2. Add Swiss Chard, 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper and stir together. Cook for 5 mins.
3. Add 1/4 cup water to the Swiss Chard and cook for 5-7 mins till the water is gone.
4. Turn off the stove.

Swiss Chard-Potato Sabzi

1. Add the Swiss Chard to the potatoes, add 1/4 cup water to the veggie mix, cover and cook for 3-4 mins. till the water evaporates.
2. Uncover and cook for 2 mins. stirring frequently.
3. Add another 1/4 cup water, cover and cook again for 3-4 mins till the water evaporates. You should be able to slice through the potatoes with a fork.
4. Uncover and cook for 3-4 mins.
5. Enjoy Swiss Chard-Potato Sabzi.

Eating With Your Eyes:

Changes for Notes on the Fly:

1. As noted in the intro, both fenugreek leaves and spinach leaves are good substitutes for the Swiss Chard. Each green has its own unique personality but they are delicious when combined with the potato in this recipe.