Potato Curry with Tomatoes (Puri Wale Aloo)

Summary

Yield
Prep Time30 minutes
TopicsPotatoes

Description

See Kathryn Tempas' short article on potato curries.

This next potato curry may have a few spices that are not in your cupboard, but never fear. At the co-op, you can purchase small quantities and give it a try. Look for garam masala, a spice blend, in the smaller spice containers.

Ingredients

  • 2 T oil
  • 1⁄2 t mustard seed
  • 1⁄2 t cumin seed
  • 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 t ground cumin
  • 1⁄2 t garam masala
  • 1⁄8 t cayenne pepper
  • 2⁄3 c water
  • 1⁄2 t turmeric
  • 1⁄2 t salt
  • 1 1⁄4 lb red potatoes, boiled in jackets, peeled, and cut into 1" pieces*

Instructions

Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.

Add the mustard seeds, cover and wait for them to pop. Then add the cumin seeds and sizzle a few seconds.

Mix in the potato pieces and stir-fry until light brown.

Stir in the spice blend and tomatoes and cook until the liquid has been absorbed. Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes.

Serve with basmati rice. Optional garnishes include roasted cashews and cilantro. Serves 4.

*I sometimes boil the potatoes ahead of time; this makes the curry come together quickly for dinner. The potato skins will slip off easily after boiling.

Notes

Recipes adapted from 660 Curries by Raghavan Iyer and Real Indian Cookery Course by Veena Chopra.