Dum Aloo Masala: A Spicy and Comforting Indian Classic | Easy Indian Potato recipe for chapati, poori, rice

Aloo, which means potatoes in Hindi, is a versatile and widely used ingredient in Indian cuisine. It is used in various forms and can be found in numerous Indian recipes. Dum Aloo Masala is a popular North Indian dish made with potatoes cooked in a rich and flavorful tomato-based gravy. It is usually enjoyed with roti (Indian bread) or rice. 

Potatoes are versatile and widely consumed vegetables that provide several essential nutrients.

Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body. They also contain dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. Potatoes are relatively low in fat and contain no cholesterol.

Potatoes are also rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and helps in collagen synthesis. They are a notable source of vitamin B6, which plays a role in brain development and function.

Furthermore, potatoes are a good source of potassium, an essential mineral that helps maintain fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions. They also contain other minerals like magnesium and phosphorus, which are important for bone health and various metabolic processes in the body.

Remember that these values are approximate and can vary depending on factors such as potato size, cooking methods, and individual variations.

Dum Aloo is renowned for its delicious taste and rich flavors. The combination of tender potatoes and aromatic spices cooked in a tomato-based gravy creates a mouthwatering dish that is enjoyed by people across different regions and cultures. Dum Aloo is deeply rooted in Indian culinary traditions and holds cultural significance. It is commonly prepared during festivals, celebrations, and special occasions. The dish showcases the diversity and culinary expertise of Indian cuisine. Dum Aloo serves as a substantial vegetarian option in Indian cuisine. Potatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be used as a primary component to create a flavorful and satisfying meal, making it a popular choice for vegetarians and those looking for meatless options. Dum Aloo serves as a substantial vegetarian option in Indian cuisine. Potatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be used as a primary component to create a flavorful and satisfying meal, making it a popular choice for vegetarians and those looking for meatless options. Dum Aloo has various regional adaptations, with each region adding its own unique touch to the recipe. From Kashmiri Dum Aloo with its signature rich and spicy gravy to Bengali Dum Aloo with its distinct use of mustard oil, the dish showcases the culinary diversity of India.

Here's a simple recipe for Dum Aloo Masala:

   Ingredients to serve 4-5 persons

   

• 10-12 baby potatoes
• 3 tablespoons oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 pinch of hing
• 1tsp teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust according to your taste)
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1/tsp cumin seeds
• 1 pod green cardamom
• 1 small piece cinnamon
• 1 cloves
• 1tsp fennel seeds
• 8-10 cashews / 2tsp peanuts
• 1/2tsp kasurimethi
• 1tsp sugar (optional)
• Salt to taste
• 3/4 cup curd (whisked)
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing

click here to watch recipe video

Procedure:

• Boil the baby potatoes until they are tender. Peel off the skin and prick them with a fork. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the potatoes.

• Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add half boiled potatoes along with chili, turmeric and sauce a while 

• In a blender make a nice powder mixture of coriander seeds, cumin seeds, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves , fennel seeds and cashews/peanuts

• In a kadai add 2 tsp oil and finely chopped onion, hing and bay leaves. sauce for a while and then add ginger garlic paste and salt

• when onion are really soft and translucent add the powdered mixture that we made in step 3 and again cook for a while

• add the whisked curd, keeping the flame to medium and continuously stir well so that the curd doesn't curdles

• when you can see oil oozing from sides of kadai add turmeric and chili powder and again cook for a while

• finely its time to add potatoes. Mix throughly and check for salt and if needed add little salt and 1tsp of sugar. Adding sugar is completely optional but it definitely enhances the taste of your dum aloo masala

• Add warm water, adjust your consistency and finally add kasurimethi 

• simmer for about 10mis 

• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves

Your Dum Aloo Masala is ready to be served! You can enjoy it with roti, naan, or steamed rice.

click here to watch recipe video