Potato Stew (Lipte Aloo)

Potato Stew (Lipte Aloo)  

This potato dish is a gourmet version of simple potato curry. It's thick like a stew with an extra zing. I make these "lipte aloo" for special occasions as the fenugreek, fennel, and coriander seeds add a lot of flavor to the potatoes. I often serve it with puri (Fried Bread) or parathe (pan-fried flatbreads) for a festive and delicious meal. But it's great with any bread or rice. 

Prep Time: 10  Minutes            Cook Time: 30   Minutes
Makes: 6 Servings       Serving Size: 1/2 cup

Ingredients:

3 medium potatoes (about 3 cups peeled and diced)

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1/8 teaspoon asafetida powder

1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

1/4 teaspoon fenugreek seeds

1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds

1/2 teaspoon whole coriander seeds

3 to 4 whole red chilies

1/4 cup tomato sauce

   or 1 medium tomato, ground

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

2 teaspoons coriander powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, to taste

3/4 teaspoon salt

2 1/2 cups water

1/2 teaspoon amchur or 2 teaspoons lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon garam masala

2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
 

Preparation  

   1. Peel and wash potatoes. Cut into 1-inch pieces. Set aside.

   2. Lightly crush whole coriander seeds and fennel seeds with a mortar-pestle or with a rolling pin. In a small bowl, place crushed seeds, asafetida, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, and whole red chilies. Set aside.

   3. Heat oil in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add all the spices to the bowl, cook for a few seconds until the cumin seeds are golden brown.

   4. Add the potatoes and tomato sauce. Stir. Add turmeric, coriander powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir to coat the spices.

   5. Add salt and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a low boil, cover with a lid and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. The potatoes should be tender, slightly falling apart, and the curry sauce is thick and coating the potatoes like a stew.

   6. Add the garam masala. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with cilantro.

Makes: 6 Servings       Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Nutrition Information Per Serving: 
Calories: 105; Total Fat: 2 g (Saturated Fat: 0); Carbohydrate: 19 g; Protein 2 g; Fiber: 2 g; Sodium: 350 mg

From: The Indian Vegan Kitchen, Madhu Gadia, M.S., R.D., Penguin Group 2009