This stewlike potato and spinach curry can be served as a side dish or as part of a vegetarian buffet. The touch of cream prevents the buttermilk from curdling when it’s heated and helps balance the heat from the pungent chiles.

Makes 4 servings, 1 cup each

ACTIVE TIME: 30 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 45 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

1 pound russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
2 dried red chiles, such as Thai, cayenne or chile de arbol, stemmed
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup firmly packed fresh cilantro
4 large cloves garlic, peeled
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon canola oil
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 cup nonfat buttermilk
1 tablespoon whipping cream
8 ounces baby spinach

1. Place potatoes in a medium bowl; cover with cold water to prevent browning. Place chiles in a small heatproof bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Set aside until they are reconstituted, about 15 minutes. Reserving the chile-soaking water, coarsely chop the chiles (do not seed).
2. Pile cilantro, garlic, salt and the chopped chiles in a mortar. Pound the ingredients to a pulpy mass with the pestle, using a spatula to contain the mixture in the center for a concentrated pounding. (Alternatively, mince the ingredients in a food processor.)
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the spice paste and cook, stirring, until the garlic is honey-brown and the chiles are pungent, 1 to 2 minutes. (Make sure to use adequate ventilation.) Drain the potatoes and add along with turmeric; cook, stirring to coat the potatoes with the yellow spice, about 30 seconds. Pour in the reserved chile-soaking water and scrape the pan to loosen any browned bits; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Whisk buttermilk and cream in a small bowl.
5. When the potatoes are tender, pile the spinach leaves over them, cover and cook until the spinach is wilted, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the buttermilk mixture.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 183 calories; 5 g fat (1 g sat, 2 g mono); 5 mg cholesterol; 32 g carbohydrate; 5 g protein; 5 g fiber; 565 mg sodium; 452 mg potassium.
Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (80% daily value), Vitamin A (50% dv), Folate (31% dv), Iron (15% dv).
2 Carbohyrate Servings
Exchanges: 1 1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat

Why is it that you take the time to write a nice little instructive and descriptive comment about the recipe, but you do not add it into your "Print" version? Surely it's not that difficult to include it.

jleslie, Bend, OR

I love this recipe, it's easy, healthy and tastes great, i feel virtuous eating potatoes for a change...

Maura, Los Angeles, CA