Bengali Aloo Potol Recipe

Ever found yourself longing for a taste of homely comfort in a dish? Aloo Potol, a classic Indian dish, might just be what you’re looking for. Combining the earthiness of potatoes (aloo) with the unique texture of pointed gourd (potol), this dish is a staple in many Indian households. It’s simple, it’s flavorful, and it’s incredibly comforting.

Aloo Potol Recipe

Aloo Potol is a delightful and comforting vegetarian dish hailing from the Indian subcontinent. In this preparation, potatoes (aloo) and pointed gourd (potol or parwal) come together to create a flavorful and aromatic curry. Aloo Potol is a popular choice in Indian households, appreciated for its combination of tender vegetables and a mildly spiced gravy that pairs perfectly with rice or Indian bread like roti or paratha.

Servings 4

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Equipment

• Knife and cutting board
• Frying pan or kadai
• Stirring spoon
• Measuring Spoons

Ingredients

• 8-10 Pointed gourd (Potol) peeled and slit
• 2 medium Potatoes (Aloo) peeled and cubed
• 3 tablespoons Mustard oil
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 1 Bay leaf
• Asafoetida (Hing) a pinch
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Cumin powder
• to taste Salt
• 1 teaspoon Sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon Garam masala powder
• as required Water

Instructions

• Prepare the Veggies: After peeling, slit the potol lengthwise and cube the potatoes. Keep them immersed in water to prevent discoloration.
• Fry the Potol: Heat 1 tablespoon of mustard oil in a pan. Lightly fry the potol until they are slightly brown. Remove and set aside.
• Cook the Potatoes: In the same pan, add the cubed potatoes and fry until they start to turn golden.
• Temper the Spices: Add the remaining mustard oil to the pan. Throw in the cumin seeds, bay leaf, and a pinch of asafoetida. Let them sizzle.
• Spice it Up: Add turmeric, red chili powder, and cumin powder to the pan. Stir well.
• Combine and Cook: Return the fried potol and potatoes to the pan. Add salt and sugar. Mix well. Cover and cook on a medium flame until the vegetables are tender.
• Final Touch: Sprinkle garam masala powder and give it a good stir. Serve hot.

Tips and Information

In conclusion, Aloo Potol is not just a dish; it’s a bowl of comfort, bringing back memories of family dinners and lazy afternoons. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when cooked with love and care, can transform into something utterly delicious. Whether you’re an avid cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to bring warmth and flavor to your table. So why not give it a try and savor the simple pleasures of homely Indian cooking?

Tips and Tricks:

• Don’t over-fry the potol; they should retain a bit of crunch.
• Adjust the chili according to your heat preference.
• Adding a little sugar balances the flavors beautifully.

Calories: 180kcal

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Bengali_cuisine, Indian

Keyword: Potato, vegetarian