Aloo Jeera (Potatoes with Cumin Seeds) Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons oil (preferably mustard or vegetable oil)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped, for garnish
- 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized cubes. Rinse the potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch. Drain well.
2. Heat the Oil:
- Heat the oil in a deep skillet or pan over medium heat. Mustard oil adds an authentic flavor, but you can use any vegetable oil as an alternative.
3. Add Cumin Seeds:
- Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds. Let them sizzle for a few seconds until they release their aroma and turn slightly brown. Be careful not to burn them.
4. Add Potatoes:
- Carefully add the cubed potatoes to the pan. Stir well to coat the potatoes evenly with the cumin seeds and oil. Cook the potatoes on medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add Spices:
- Sprinkle the turmeric powder, red chili powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, and salt over the potatoes. If you’re using green chilies and ginger-garlic paste, add them now. Mix everything well so that the potatoes are coated with the spices evenly.
6. Cook Until Tender:
- Cover the pan and let the potatoes cook on medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the potatoes are tender. This should take about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of your potato cubes. If the potatoes start sticking to the pan, you can add a splash of water.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- Once the potatoes are cooked through and have absorbed all the flavors, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves.
- Serve hot with roti, naan, or rice. Aloo Jeera makes a delightful side dish in any Indian meal.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Aloo Jeera!
