Mamta's Kitchen

Bomaby Alu (Potatoes)

Bombay (Mumbai) Aloo

Mamta Gupta

EasyFree From GarlicFree From TomatoIndianMainSideVegetarian

This is a popular dish in UK. Bombay is a big city and different families within it will make their version of it differently. It is like calling a stew a London beef stew, where there must be 100s of versions of it, varying from family to family. It just gives you a rough idea of the style the potatoes are cooked in. It is just a potato Sabji, made with a 'tempering' or 'tarka' in Bombay/South Indians style. As Bombay is now called Mumbai, they should really be called 'Mumbai alu'!

In northern India, the same bhaji is made with a cumin 'tarka'.

Serves 4-6

Ingredients

  • 500 gm. new potatoes or large potatoes peeled and chopped into bite size pieces.

  • 2 tbsp. cooking oil

  • 1 tsp. mustard or rai seeds

  • 7-8 curry leaves

  • 1/2 inch piece of ginger, peeled and grated

  • 1 onion peeled and sliced (optional)

  • 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder

  • 1 tsp. of coriander powder

  • 1/2 tsp. of chilli powder (according to taste)

  • Salt to taste

  • 1/2 tsp. amchoor or dry mango powder or 1 tsp. lemon juice

  • A bunch of coriander leaves (optional), chopped finely

Instructions

  1. Cut potatoes into small pieces (see pictures). If potatoes are large, boil them in their skins first. Indians always boil potatoes in their skin. This stops them bursting open.

  2. Put them in a colander and run cold water over them.

  3. Peel and cut into bite size pieces. Keep aside.

  4. Heat oil in a karahi or wok.

  5. Add mustard seeds and curry leaves. Allow the seeds to splutter. It is a good idea to keep the lid on here, as seeds jump all over if you don't.

  6. Add ginger, and chopped onion, if used. Fry until onion is medium brown.

  7. Add raw potatoes and add all ground spices. Give a quick stir to coat potatoes and release flavour.

  8. Cook covered on low heat, until potatoes are soft. You may need to add a sprinkle of water, but if you keep the heat low, it is usually not required. r If using pre-boiled potatoes, you only need to stir fry them on medium heat for 5 minutes or so. take care not to break them.

  9. Add coriander leaves and serve hot with Plain Paratha or Poori or as part of any Indian meal. They also make a good filling for toasted sandwiches.


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