Aloo Dun is a beloved Indian dish that features deep-fried potatoes simmered in spices and a flavourful gravy. The potatoes are perfectly coated with the goodness of a blend of spices, tomatoes, and curd. This dish can be served on special occasions or as a cosy family dinner. Pair it with hot, fluffy rotis, fragrant basmati rice, or a simple pulao for a satisfying culinary experience.Â
About the Recipe
Aloo Dum will take you on a journey through Indian culinary traditions—a guaranteed treat of the earthy goodness of potatoes and the aromatic richness of Indian spices. This recipe highlights the art of balancing spices to create a harmonious and rich gravy. The potatoes, pricked and soaked to absorb the flavours better, are deep-fried to give them a crispy exterior and soft, creamy interior.Â
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Aloo Dum will win you over with its rich, comforting flavours and the delightful texture of perfectly cooked potatoes. The combination of spices used in the gravy creates an aromatic and savoury, exotic and familiar experience. This dish is straightforward to prepare yet offers complex flavours that will make it a standout in your recipe collection.
Aloo Dum
Cooking Tips
For the best Aloo Dum, soak the potatoes in salted water to absorb flavours. Fry the ground masala on medium heat to avoid burning the spices. Vary the number of chillies to adjust the spice level. Use fresh, full-fat curd for a creamier texture. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a burst of freshness.
Cultural Context
Aloo Dum is a popular dish in North Indian cuisine, often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions. It is part of the more prominent family of “dum” cooking, where ingredients are slow-cooked in their juices, absorbing all the spices and flavours. This method has roots in Mughlai cuisine, which is known for its rich, aromatic dishes.
Serving and Storing Suggestions
Aloo Dum serves 4-6 people and takes about 45 minutes of active cooking time. The total cooking time is approximately 1 hour. Serve it hot with rotis, naan, or rice. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a water splash to loosen the gravy.
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Nutrient Benefits
Potatoes are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fibre, while spices offer various antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Curd provides probiotics and calcium, making this dish delicious and nutritious.
Aloo Dum
Ingredients
- 15 Cashews
- 1/2 kg Small Potatoes
- 1 cup Fresh Curd
- 2 tsp Unsweetened Khoya
- 1 tbsp Chopped Coriander Leaves
- 2 tsp Sugar
- 3 tbsp Oil + Oil for deep frying
- 4 Finely Chopped Tomatoes
Grind to a Paste:
- Two small pieces of Cinnamon
- A little Nutmeg
- 4 Cloves
- 3 Cardamom pods
- 1 tbsp Poppy Seeds
- 5 Peppercorns
- 3 tsp Curry Leaves
- 1 tsp Aniseed
- 5 Red Chillies
- 4 Green Chillies
- 1- inch piece Ginger
- One small bunch of Coriander Leaves
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Scrape the outer skin of the potatoes.
- Prick with a fork and soak in salted water for 30 minutes.
- Drain, wipe, and deep fry in hot oil until golden.
- Heat 2-3 tbsp of oil over medium flame in a kadai.
- Fry the ground masala for a minute on medium heat.
- Add chopped tomatoes, curd, and khoya. Fry until the oil separates.
- Add 2 cups of water and sugar, and boil over low heat.
- When the gravy thickens, add the fried potatoes.
- Simmer on low heat until the oil separates.
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aloo Dum?
Aloo Dum is a popular North Indian dish featuring deep-fried potatoes simmered in a rich, spiced gravy. The dish combines potatoes’ flavour with aromatic spices, tomatoes, and curd, creating a savoury and convenient meal. Perfect for special occasions or everyday dinners, it pairs well with various Indian breads or rice.
Can I make Aloo Dum ahead of time?
Yes, Aloo Dum can be made ahead of time. Prepare the dish as directed, then let it cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to adjust the consistency of the gravy.
What can I serve with Aloo Dum?
Aloo Dum pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. For a classic combination, serve it with hot, fluffy rotis, naan, or parathas. It also goes well with steamed basmati rice or a simple pulao. Add a side of fresh salad or raita for a complete meal to balance the rich flavours.
How can I adjust the spiciness of Aloo Dum?
To adjust the spiciness of Aloo Dum, you can modify the number of chillies used in the recipe. Reduce the number of red and green chillies in the ground paste for a milder version. You can also remove the seeds from the chillies to lessen the heat. Conversely, add more chillies or use hotter varieties to increase the spiciness.
Can I use large potatoes instead of small ones?
You can use large potatoes instead of small ones in Aloo Dum. Cut the large potatoes into smaller, bite-sized pieces before following the recipe steps. Ensure the pieces are uniform in size to allow even cooking and better absorption of the flavours from the gravy.
