Fancy some simple potato recipes in Illinois? You’ve got a personal chef to serve you nine authentic state potato recipes from India. Ready to indulge?
This is a guest post from the poet, author, editor and publisher, Linda Ashok. A few years back, Linda sent me a recipe to try from the Andhra Pradesh State of India. It involved coconut, mango, prawns (shrimp,) Curry leaves, chilies and other ingredients. It was a phenomenal recipe that I still use on family and clients (for my vegans and vegetarians I use tofu/Eggplant etc instead of prawns) and it is always a hit. You can see the original recipe here, do check it out.
Linda has kindly shared some favorite Indian style potato dishes she loves and that I love to use on my clients as bases or sides for other dishes whether vegan or not. These recipes here are from many different regions and communities, easy to assemble and will expand, challenge and educate your pallet and the people whom you chose to cook for.
I have chosen my favorite recipes on the net to go with the dish from my favorite Indian cooks websites I regularly visit. Be sure to try each and snag a taste of India without the need to leave your home.
Bengali Potato Recipe- Aloo Posto
Bengalis love Aloo Posto. Wherever Bengalis go, they would die for Aloo Posto. Together, Aloo Posto and Bengalis are a great meme you can use with your close Bengali friends (don't try otherwise, gets racial). This Bengali recipe uses very few ingredients—cubed potatoes, poppy seed (posto) paste + onion + green chilies with salt to taste. You can add turmeric powder and chili powder if you prefer, but your Aloo Posto is ready to be served with steamed rice.
Gujrati Potato Recipe- Bateta Nu Shaak
India's Prime minister and Home Minister are from Gujrat but contrary to the sugar they add in every recipe, Indians are unsure why both of them are so bitter with India's democracy. Anyway, "Bateta Nu Shaak requires—cubed potatoes and a fraction of tomatoes + (mustard+chilli+cumin powder) + a cup of curd with salt and sugar to taste. Allow all that to first cook, and later add the curd and simmer in low flame.
Himachali Potato Recipe- Aloo Palda
Himachal in the North of India is a place that is affectionate toward any traveller. They prefer spicy food to beat the cold weather. Quite similar to Bateta Nu Shaak, Aloo Palda is flavoured with cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Half of Himachal is enveloped with its aroma when cooked right. The spices used are regular Indian spices and they heal digestive conditions without going bland.
Kashmiri Potato Recipe- Dum Aloo
My mouth is already watering, although not enough to even float an ant on the Dal lake of Kashmir. Spiciest and tastiest of all cuisine, Dum Aloo requires fresh winter potato harvest that peels of easily on a good wash. Then these potatoes are deep- fried and cooked in gravy of curd with ginger garlic paste and spices (Kashmiri red chilies + powdered fennel, cumin, coriander, cardamom). How do you know it is ready? Ask your personal chef, I recommend.
Malayali Potato Recipe- Nadan Potato Mezhukkupuratti
I am sure you have skipped pronouncing the name already. I feel the language Malayali is twisted Macaroni to a person used to flat bread. I bet it is more difficult than Mandarin. Anyway, the recipe is Kerala's darling. Easy to make, your personal chef would heat coconut oil in a pan, add crushed shallots, garlic, and curry leaves along with powdered cumin, chili, turmeric and salt to taste. Roast it till it boasts of ready-for-meal.
Nadan Potato Mezhukkupuratti Recipe
Manipuri Potato Recipe- Alu Kangmet
This is a recipe you can cook in one breath, literally. Manipuri potato recipe, Alu Kangmet is your mashed potatoes but tossed with roasted dry red chilies and salt. I guess if you want to surprise your partner with love sourced from faraway North East of India, Kangmet your darling; toss them in delight with your sensational cooking skills. I ain't leg-pulling; I mean it, especially if your partner is a foodie.
Punjabi Potato Recipe- Jeera Aloo
Typically Punjab is stereotyped for its "Balle Balle" dance move. But there is more to this cheery community of Punjabis. Their cuisine has a tang to bang your taste buds. Try this Aloo Jeera potato recipe when you need a spark in your mood. Your personal chef can give you a great lift by adding little oil and ghee to the wok, followed with a crackle of cumin seeds, ginger and green chilies to cook boiled potatoes in low heat. Must add Kasturi methi, half a cup of water and mix well for 5-8 minutes!
Rajasthani Potato Recipe- Jodhpuri Aloo
Jodhpur is a city in Rajasthan, India. Founded by Rao Jodha of Mandore, Jodhpur is a historical place. And to remember history, the best is to taste it. So, here you are with Jodhpuri Aloo recipe that is tangy, spicy, and crunchy pan tossed potatoes sautéed with sesame, fennel, and chili flakes. The color of Rajasthan comes live in your eyes when the spices hit your senses.
Of course, you don’t need a personal chef if you are a great cook already. In fact these recipes do not need any greatness, but the zeal to try something new. If you have succeeded with the taste, do share in comments, how they turned out. I would love some photos as well.
Leave a Reply