Aloo Dum – A Delightful Bengali Potato Dish
Aloo Dum is a beloved Bengali dish that showcases the humble potato in a rich, aromatic gravy, making it a perfect side for any meal. With its vibrant spices and flavors, this dish is not only comforting but also a fantastic way to enjoy a vegetarian feast. Here’s how to prepare Aloo Dum with detailed steps to ensure a delicious outcome.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| आलू (Potatoes) | 10 medium-sized |
| हल्दी पाउडर (Turmeric Powder) | 2 teaspoons |
| इलाइची (Cardamom) | 2 whole |
| दाल चीनी (Cinnamon Stick) | 1 inch |
| लॉन्ग (Cloves) | 2 whole |
| तेज पत्ता (Bay Leaf) | 1 leaf |
| टमाटर (Tomatoes) | 3 (pureed) |
| दही (Yogurt) | ½ cup |
| गरम मसाला पाउडर (Garam Masala) | 1 teaspoon |
| लाल मिर्च (Red Chili Powder) | 1 teaspoon |
| धनिया पाउडर (Coriander Powder) | 1 teaspoon |
| शक्कर (Sugar) | 1 teaspoon |
| नमक (Salt) | To taste |
| तेल (Oil) | As required |
| हरा धनिया (Coriander Leaves) | Finely chopped for garnish |
| प्याज (Onion) | 1 medium-sized, chopped |
| अदरक (Ginger) | 1 inch, chopped |
| लहसुन (Garlic) | 3 cloves, minced |
| हरी मिर्च (Green Chilies) | 2, chopped |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
Preparation Time
| Item | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 40 minutes |
| Total Time | 60 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
Instructions
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Preparation of the Paste: To begin your Aloo Dum, take a mixer grinder and add the chopped onion, ginger, green chilies, and garlic cloves. Blend them into a smooth paste and set aside for later use.
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Cooking the Potatoes: In a heavy-bottomed kadhai (pan), heat oil over medium flame. Once hot, carefully add the boiled potatoes along with turmeric powder and salt. Sauté the potatoes until they turn golden brown, then remove them from the pan and set aside.
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Tempering the Spices: In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is heated, add the prepared onion-ginger-garlic paste. Sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until the raw smell dissipates and the mixture turns slightly golden.
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Adding Whole Spices: After the paste has cooked, add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaf to the pan. Allow these spices to cook for an additional 2 minutes, releasing their fragrant oils.
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Incorporating Tomato Puree and Spices: Next, pour in the tomato puree, followed by the remaining turmeric powder, coriander powder, and garam masala powder. Stir everything together, ensuring the spices are well combined with the tomato base.
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Mixing in the Yogurt: Lower the heat and add the yogurt to the pan. Mix it thoroughly to create a smooth and rich gravy. This step adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor to the dish.
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Combining with Potatoes: After about a minute of cooking, add the sugar, salt, and the sautéed potatoes back into the pan. Gently mix the potatoes with the gravy, being careful not to break them.
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Final Cooking: Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for about 3 minutes on low heat. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Garnishing and Serving: Once done, turn off the heat and garnish your Aloo Dum with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
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Serving Suggestions: For a delightful breakfast, serve Aloo Dum alongside Bundi Raita and soft, fluffy puris, creating a deliciously satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Aloo Dum, with its comforting flavors and inviting aroma, is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of Bengali culinary tradition. The combination of spices and creamy yogurt elevates this simple potato dish into something truly special. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weekend meal, Aloo Dum is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy this delightful dish, and let its rich flavors warm your heart and soul.
