A quick way to make South Indian Aloo, with a bit of a twist!
This dish holds a special place in my heart. Growing up, my dad would whip up batches of this South Indian-spiced potatoes, drawing inspiration from the dishes my grandparents would make. It was a simple yet flavorful meal that quickly became a favorite for both me and my brother. This vibrant blend of flavors – the aromatic mustard seeds, the warmth of curry powder, and the subtle sweetness of the potatoes – transported us back to family dinners filled with laughter and good food.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility. It can be a quick and easy weeknight meal or a fun weekend cooking project. For those short on time, you can easily use premade Potatoes O'Brien as a shortcut. This allows you to capture the spirit of the dish – the infusion of Indian spices and the comforting familiarity – while still accommodating busy schedules.
South Indian-Spiced Potatoes O'Brien Recipe
This recipe serves 4-6 as a side dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1-2 dried red chilies (optional), broken in half
- A few fresh curry leaves (optional)
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 (16-ounce) package frozen Potatoes O'Brien, thawed (optional) OR 1 large onion, chopped + 1 green bell pepper, chopped + 2 pounds red potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Optional - Cooked Ground Beef or ground Lamb
Processes/Steps:
- Temper (if using fresh ingredients): Heat the coconut oil or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds. Let them splutter and pop, then add the dried red chilies and curry leaves (if using). Be careful as they may splutter. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- (optional) Begin cooking the ground beef/lamb until well done. Drain oil. Set aside when complete.
- Sauté Vegetables (if using fresh ingredients): If using fresh ingredients, add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the onion softens and the pepper begins to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Add the cubed potatoes and stir to combine.
- Add Spices and Cook: If using premade Potatoes O'Brien, skip steps 2 and 3. Add the premade Potatoes O'Brien to the skillet with the tempered spices (or to the hot oil if skipping tempering). Add the turmeric powder, curry powder, and salt. Stir well to coat the potatoes.
- Cook and Simmer: Cover the skillet and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender but still hold their shape. Stir occasionally.
- In the last two minutes of cooking, add the cooked ground beef or lamb(optional)
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot as a side dish or as a light vegetarian meal.
Nutritional Estimate (per serving):
- Calories: Approx. 150-200 kcal
- Protein: Approx. 2-3g
- Fat: Approx. 5-8g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 25-30g
- Fiber: 3-4g
Note: This is a rough estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Estimate does not include meats.
This South Indian-Spiced Potatoes O'Brien is a dish that brings together the flavors of my family's heritage with a touch of culinary experimentation. I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too!
