Aloo Dum – India

Aloo Dum is a delicious and popular North Indian dish made with potatoes cooked in a rich and flavorful tomato-based gravy. It’s a perfect accompaniment to Indian bread like naan or paratha, and it can also be served with rice. Here’s how you can make Aloo Dum at home:

Ingredients:

For the Potato Filling:

• 4-5 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and peeled
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander leaves

For the Tomato-Based Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 2 large tomatoes, pureed
• 1/2 cup yogurt, whisked
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup water
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the potato filling:

• Cut the boiled and peeled potatoes into bite-sized cubes.
• In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
• Add cumin seeds and asafoetida (hing) and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
• Add the potato cubes and stir-fry for about 5 minutes until they turn golden brown.
• Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
• Sprinkle chopped fresh coriander leaves over the potatoes, mix, and set them aside.

1. Now, let’s prepare the tomato-based gravy:

• In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
• Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
• Add minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for another 2 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
• Pour in the tomato puree and cook for 5-7 minutes until the oil starts to separate from the tomatoes.
• Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few more minutes.

1. Reduce the heat to low and add whisked yogurt to the tomato mixture. Stir continuously to prevent curdling.
2. Gradually add 1 cup of water while stirring to achieve your desired gravy consistency.
3. Once the gravy thickens, add the prepared potato filling to the tomato-based gravy. Stir gently to coat the potatoes with the gravy.
4. Cover the pan and let the Aloo Dum simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with naan, paratha, or rice.

Enjoy your homemade Aloo Dum, a flavorful and comforting Indian dish!