Spinach Saag With Spiced Potato Balls

Ingredients

• 2 pounds large-leaf spinach
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger
• 3 to 4 thai bird chiles, each about 1 1/2 inches long, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 pound baby spinach
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• salt
• 1/4 cup dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
• spiced potato balls (recipe follows)
• spiced potato balls
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled (to yield 2 cups cooked and mashed)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus 3 cups or as needed for deep-frying
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped seeded thai bird chile (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon chile flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
• salt