It seems that the older I get, the more I prefer eating (& making) more traditional, Maharashtrian comfort food dishes. I enjoy all types of food from almost any cuisine but lately; I find these simple, homey recipes to be the most satisfying of all.

Potatoes are an inexpensive food source available all year round. They are an excellent source of Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, potassium, copper, manganese, phosphorus, niacin & dietary fiber. Potatoes are also thought to help lower one’s blood pressure, promote better cardiovascular health & also improve one’s nervous system. So when eaten in moderation & prepared in a healthy way, potatoes are actually very good for you!

My Maharashtrian Potato Curry is just such a dish – tender pieces of potatoes, gently simmered in a peanut/coconut based curry. I make this particular dish usually with Moong Dal Khichidi Recipe (rice & yellow moong dal), but it tastes equally great with warm phulkas and simple Basmati rice too.


MAHARASHTRIAN POTATO CURRY (Batata chi Patal Bhaji)

Ingredients:

2-3 large potatoes, peeled & cubed
1 tsp black mustard seeds
pinch of asafetida (hing)
¼ tsp turmeric (haldi)
½ tsp red chili powder, to taste
½ cup crushed peanut powder (use roasted peanuts)
¼ cup freshly grated coconut (ground to a thick paste)
½ cup coconut milk
salt to taste
juice of ½ small lemon
1 tbsp vegetable oil

METHOD:

In a large skillet or pan on medium high heat, add the oil. When hot, add in the mustard seeds & allow them to pop. When the splattering subsides, add in the asafetida first, stir for about 30 seconds & then add in the potato pieces. Let cook on low for 5 minutes or so until the potatoes are about halfway cooked through – they will finish cooking later.

Now add in the rest of the spices (turmeric, red chili powder & salt), stir well to combine. After about a minute or so, add in both the crushed peanut powder & coconut paste. Now slowly add in the coconut milk until you have the desired consistency. Note, if you prefer more “curry” sauce – add water instead of more coconut milk (½ cup max), otherwise the curry will be too thick for this dish. Bring to a gentle boil & let the potatoes simmer for a few more minutes until they are fully cooked through. Finish the dish with a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors & serve with warm rotis & rice.


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