Good food is nice. Delicious exotic food is even better. But when you’ve overfed yourself with a variety of scrumptiously rich delicacies, the mind begins to move to a more subtle and simple option. The past few weeks saw us gorging on the best of Indian festive delicacies, and what with Diwali Just around the corner, this trend is sure to continue for the next few days as well. But last night, as we came home after a long day of running errands, just in time for a quick hearty meal, our palates began to repulse at the slightest thought of anything even remotely extravagant.
In most North Indian households, the availability of the three basics - onions, tomatoes and potatoes, along with the most basic of spices cannot be missed. Truly, just with these three, one can can create a pretty hearty meal to feed the whole family. And the choices are never limited. By altering and changing the flavourings and spices, a variety of dishes can be concocted from these basics.
So it’s no surprise that when I look for simplicity, I undoubtedly turn to the basics.
ALU FRY
SAUTEED POTATOES
Prep time: 10 min, Cooking time: 15 min | Serves: 4
3-4 mid-sized red potatoes, diced and boiled 1 small onion, finely sliced 1 tsp cumin seeds 1 tsp coriander seeds 1/2 tsp fennel seeds 1/4 tsp turmeric powder 1/2 tsp red chilli powder salt, to taste 1 tbsp dried fenugreek leaves, crushed between fingers 2 tbsp light cooking oil HEAT oil in a non-stick pan and saute cumin seeds, coriander seeds and fennel seeds till they start to sizzle. Add onions and fry till brown.
ADD red chilli powder and turmeric powder, and then throw in potatoes, stirring well to coat with spices.
ADD salt and let potatoes fry for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with fenugreek leaves, stir well and let cook for another minute or two.
SERVE warm.
October 16th, 2006
Looks delicious Meena !! I have never tried with fennel seeds and fenugreek leaves.. shall try this out soon.
You definitely should, Priya! I just love the flavour of feenel seeds in tempering, and I think fenugreek leaves add a wonderfully distict flavour to any dish.
October 16th, 2006
Looks just divine, Meena. And you are so right - sometimes simple is best of all. Thanks for the recipe!
Thanks Linda! Nothing like a simple meal to cleanse and tantalize the palate at the same time!
October 16th, 2006
Meena,
This is a great potato dish..though I have never used onions and fennel or even fenugreek leaves in it…I use a lot of Curry leaves and achaar masala towards the end to give it a kick.
(I use achaar masala in lots of sabjis). Enjoy the festivities and of course, the food! I can’t wait to come to Brampton to visit Brar’s once again!
Cheers.Trupti
Oh you should really try it this way Trupti. The flavours are phenomenal and the bland boiled potatoes take in all in so well! Enjoy Brar, I for one make it a point to only visit them once a year, since going there means eating till you burst!
October 16th, 2006
Potatoes always a savior..using fennel in the curry is new to be. Will give it a shot next time. Thnx.
Thanks Jayshree, try it, it’s simply delish!
October 17th, 2006
Your potatoes look great. I’m going to my first ever Diwali banquet next week…very excited!!
Thanks Jules! I’m in the process of preparing for my very own Diwali feast as well. Enjoy all the scrumptious treats!
October 17th, 2006
Meena, is there anything I could substitute for the fenugreek leaves? I’ll never find them here.
Hi Sara! There really is no substitute for fenugreek leaves, so it’s disticnt flavour would be missed if avoided. You could try finding an Indian grocery store, they will surely have it available there. Otherwise, just leave it out and garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves. That would really delicious as well.
October 18th, 2006
Meena, looks delectable. I used to love this when my mum served it up with warm chapatis and plain yoghurt. Something about the simplicity of this makes it so soul warming! Thanks.
I totally agree with you Meeta, sometimes, simple food is the best comfort food you can ever have!
October 18th, 2006
I love dry aloo subzi… looks delicious meena!
October 18th, 2006
That looks so tasty! I am going to check my spice cabinet!
December 2nd, 2006
Hi,
Love your recipes. Is this the first one where you have not mentioned ” dear hubby”??? What happened?
July 20th, 2007
Hello,
I found ur cooking very simple and helpful. I m a student here in U.S, and used to eat all junkie food, but i guess with ur simple and easy instruction now m able to cook a lil bit. and having fun with cooking. Indeed cooking is very creative.
Ronak.
April 5th, 2008
Hi, I made this last night, along with chicken masala, lentils, and kheer. Had a great dinner party! The potatoes were a big hit, thank you!
I’m glad you and your guests enjoyed it Heather, I love how it’s so simple to make yet robust enough to entice tastebuds!
August 31st, 2009
Once a month everyone in our house makes a special effort of cooking a Sunday roast, well you can’t live like students all the time!