Spiced Indian Potato Stir-Fry with Mustard Seeds
A vibrant and flavorful dish that perfectly combines the earthy richness of potatoes with the aromatic warmth of spices. This Sookhi Bhaji, or dry potato stir-fry, is a versatile side that can easily be transformed into a satisfying vegetarian main course. Enjoy it as a delightful snack during tea time or as part of a hearty lunch. Its oil-free preparation ensures a healthy option without compromising on taste, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking to indulge in Indian cuisine with a nutritious twist.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cumin seeds
1 (teaspoon)
Brown mustard seeds
1 (teaspoon)
Onion
1 (large, finely chopped)
Serrano chilies
3 (split lengthwise)
Potatoes
4 (medium, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
Ground cumin
1.5 (teaspoons)
Ground coriander
1.5 (teaspoons)
Turmeric
0.5 (teaspoon)
Salt
to taste
Cayenne pepper
0.5 (teaspoon)
Fresh cilantro
1 (tablespoon, chopped)
Instructions
1
In a hot dry skillet over high heat, add the cumin seeds and brown mustard seeds. Swirl the pan until the seeds begin to pop, releasing their essential oils and aroma.
2
Once the seeds are popping, reduce the heat to medium. Add the finely chopped onions and split serrano chilies to the skillet. To prevent sticking, add a small splash of water. Sauté until the onions are tender and translucent, adding more water as needed.
3
Stir in the potato pieces along with the ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, salt to taste, and cayenne pepper. Ensure that all the ingredients are well combined.
4
Pour in 2/3 cup of water, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat. Allow the potatoes to cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and infused with the spices. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, add a small amount of water at a time to ensure the potatoes don't stick.
5
Once cooked, gently fold in the freshly chopped cilantro just before serving to add a burst of freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Indian Potato Stir-Fry?
It is a vibrant, flavorful dry potato dish known as Sookhi Bhaji, combining earthy potatoes with aromatic Indian spices.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is 100% vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed, including the spices and vegetables, are naturally gluten-free.
How is this dish prepared without oil?
The dish uses a dry-toasting method for seeds and small splashes of water to sauté the onions and cook the potatoes.
What kind of potatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
What spices are used in this stir-fry?
It uses cumin seeds, brown mustard seeds, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, salt, and cayenne pepper.
How do I toast the mustard and cumin seeds?
Place them in a hot dry skillet over high heat and swirl until they begin to pop.
What should I do when the seeds start popping?
Immediately reduce the heat to medium and add your chopped onions and chilies.
How do I prevent onions from sticking without oil?
Add a small splash of water to the skillet and sauté until the onions are tender and translucent.
What type of chilies are used?
The recipe specifies 3 serrano chilies, split lengthwise.
How much ground cumin is needed?
You will need 1.5 teaspoons of ground cumin.
How much ground coriander is required?
The recipe calls for 1.5 teaspoons of ground coriander.
What is the role of turmeric in this recipe?
Turmeric adds aromatic warmth and a vibrant yellow color to the potatoes.
How much water is added to cook the potatoes?
Initially, you pour in 2/3 cup of water before covering the skillet.
How long do the potatoes need to simmer?
The potatoes should cook for 20-25 minutes until they are tender.
Should the skillet be covered while cooking?
Yes, cover the skillet after adding the water to help the potatoes steam and infuse with spices.
What if the water evaporates before the potatoes are soft?
Add a small amount of water at a time to ensure the potatoes do not stick or burn.
When do I add the fresh cilantro?
Gently fold in the freshly chopped cilantro just before serving.
How much cilantro should I use?
The recipe recommends 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro.
Can this be served as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as a satisfying vegetarian main course or a versatile side dish.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has moderate heat from 3 serrano chilies and 0.5 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which can be adjusted to taste.
Can I eat this as a snack?
Yes, it is a delightful option for a tea-time snack.
What is the texture of Sookhi Bhaji?
It is a dry stir-fry, meaning the potatoes are tender but not swimming in a liquid sauce.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is oil-free, low-fat, and uses whole spices and fresh vegetables.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients listed.
What size should the onion be?
The recipe calls for one large onion, finely chopped.
Can I use yellow mustard seeds?
While brown mustard seeds are traditional for their pungent flavor, yellow can be used if brown is unavailable.
How much cayenne pepper is used?
The recipe uses 0.5 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
Since it is plant-based and oil-free, it is naturally cholesterol-free.
How should the serrano chilies be prepared?
They should be split lengthwise before being added to the skillet.