Introduction:
Dum aloo -a classic North Indian potatoes curry made where potato is cooked in a vibrant spice, tangy and aromatic gravy. The traditional "dum" cooking and promises to enhance your culinary reserves. Dum aloo is a sign of north India's signature that transforms potatoes into a beautiful treatment. The word "dum" refers to a slow-cook technique where the flavors are sealed, mixed in low heat, making each bite an explosion of tangy, spicy and aromatic pleasures.
Ingredients:
For Potatoes:
- Baby or small Potato: 500g
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Oil: 2–3 tablespoons
For Gravy:
- Oil or ghee: 2-3 tablespoons
- Cinnamon Stick: 1 inch
- Clove: 3–4
- Cardamom pods: 2
- Bay leaf: 1
- Onion: 2 medium, finely chopped
- Ginger garlic Paste: 1 tablespoon
- Tomato puree: 1 cup
- Cashew Paste: 10-12
- Powder spices:
- Turmeric 1 teaspoon
- Red chili : 1 tablespoon
- Coriander : 1 tablespoon
- Cumin : 1 teaspoon
- Yogurt : 1 cup
- Kasuri Methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- Garam Masala: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
- Fresh coriander: a handful
Instructions:
- Prepare potatoes:
- Wash the potatoes well. in salted water , boil the potatoes until partially cooked but still firm (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and dry them.
- Fry the boiled potatoes in 2-3 tablespoons oil until there is a light golden crust. Gently help to help absorb each potato with a fork with a fork.
- Gravy base:
- Now, take a Kadai, heat 2-3 tablespoons oil or ghee on medium heat.
- Add whole spices like bay leaf, cinnamon sticks, cloves and cardamom pods. Fry for about 1 minute until the spices releases aroma.
- Onion and Ginger:
- Add finely chopped onions and stirring until they are soft and golden brown.
- Stir in ginger garlic paste and cook for extra minutes until the raw aroma fades.
- Create base:
- Pour in tomato puree and add cashew paste .
- Let the mixture cook for a few minutes, sometimes stirring, until it thickens and the oil starts to separate with the spices.
- Make it spicy:
- Now add powder spices like turmeric, red chilli, coriander and cumin powder. Arrange salt and add sugar if desired.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spices are well incorporated.
- Include yogurt:
- Reduce the heat and slowly add whisked yogurt to the pan, stir constantly, so as to ensure a smooth mixture ..
- Allow the gravy to gently simmer for a few minutes.
- Dum Cooking:
- After this, Add the fried potatoes to the gravy. Mix well to coat all potatoes .
- Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding a cup of water as needed. Cover with lid and allow the dish to be cooked for extra 8-10 minutes on low heat (dum).
- Finish and Decoration:
- Add a pinch of kasuri methi and garam masala to finish the dish.
- Before serving Garnish with fresh chopped coriander leaves . serve with naan, roti or kashmiri pulao.
Tips and Variations :
- Healthy Option: Shallow fry the potatoes step for a lighter version - just add the boiled potatoes directly to the gravy.
- Creaminess Boost: If you prefer a more rich gravy, raise cashew paste or finally add a splash of cream.
- Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne powder corresponding to your taste. For a lighter version, reduce the amount or use a Paprika for color without heat.
- Presentation: A few drops of lime juice before serving to increase the tinge, and the fresh cucumber serves with the side of the cucumber.