Simple and delicious Indian recipes: Jeera Aloo (potato based dish)

One of the most popular vegetarian dishes, Jeera aloo,
is an integral part of North Indian cuisine. It is very
easy to make and requires very few ingredients. The name "jeera aloo" literally translates to potatoes with cumin seeds.

The following recipe serves 2 people.
Time required: 25-30 minutes

Ingredients :
Potatoes - 3 medium sized
Oil - 3 tbsp
Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
Fenugreek seeds - 3/4 tsp
Green chilies - 1 or 2
Onion - 1 medium sized
Ginger - 1/2 inch piece
Garlic - 1 clove
Turmeric powder - 3/4 tsp
Cumin powder - 1 tsp
Chili powder - to taste
Coriander powder - 1 1/2 tsp
Asafetida - a pinch
Salt - to taste

Step 1: We need four medium sized potatoes. Boil and peel the potatoes. Boil them to a consistency so that are cooked thoroughly but are firm.Chop them into bite size pieces and keep them aside.

Step 2: We need the following spices : (a) Cumin seeds, mustard seeds, ginger, garlic, chili and onions. We can either use dried red chilies or green chilies, and if you like it spicy add them both. I am adding two green chilies for this preparation. Keep the heat at medium level. We also need (b) asafetida (hing) and fenugreek (methi) seeds. Chop the onions, garlic, ginger and chilies finely.

(a)

(b)

Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan.Once the oil is hot add the mustard seeds. Wait for them to crackle, then add the cumin seeds and asafetida. Fry them for a minute.

Add the chopped onions, garlic, ginger and chilies. Fry them in medium heat for 4-5 minutes. Then add the fenugreek seeds. Add salt to taste.

Fry for 3-4 more minutes or till the onions turn glossy.

Step 4: Now we need (c) cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric and chili powder. Mix them together and add 2 tablespoons of water to make a paste.