Tamil Nadu Style Potato Masiyal Recipe
A Traditional and Flavorful South Indian Delight
Introduction
Potato Masiyal is a popular and comforting dish from Tamil Nadu, often served as a side with rice or as a main dish with flatbreads like puris or chapatis. This recipe, with its simple ingredients and aromatic spices, is a quintessential part of South Indian cuisine. The dish is made with mashed potatoes cooked with spices, ginger, garlic, and a generous tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and split chickpeas, which infuses it with a depth of flavor. Served with a sprinkle of fresh coriander, this flavorful dish is perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Recipe Details
- Cuisine: Tamil Nadu
- Course: Lunch/Side Dish
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boiled Potatoes | 4 medium-sized |
| Onion | 1, thinly sliced |
| Green Chilies | 4, finely chopped |
| Ginger | 1/2 inch, grated |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, grated |
| Cashew Nuts | 6, chopped |
| Gram Flour (Besan) | 1 tsp |
| Turmeric Powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh Coriander Leaves | 4 sprigs, finely chopped |
| Sesame Oil (Til Oil) | 2 tsp |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai) | 1/2 tsp |
| Split Chickpeas (Chana Dal) | 1/4 tsp |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Tempering:
In a large pan or wok (kadhai), heat sesame oil over medium heat. Once hot, add mustard seeds, split chickpeas (chana dal), and curry leaves. Sauté for about 20 seconds, until the mustard seeds begin to splutter and the chana dal turns a light golden color. -
Add Aromatics:
Add the grated ginger, garlic, chopped green chilies, and cashews. Stir well and cook for 1 minute, allowing the flavors to meld together and the cashews to slightly toast. -
Cook the Onions:
Add the thinly sliced onions, turmeric powder, and salt to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and turn translucent, about 3-4 minutes. -
Add Water:
Pour in about 1/2 cup of water to the pan and stir the mixture to combine everything well. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes to bring the flavors together. -
Prepare the Gram Flour Mixture:
In a separate bowl, combine 1 tsp of gram flour (besan) with 1/4 cup of water. Whisk it well to form a smooth slurry, ensuring there are no lumps. -
Cook the Besan Mixture:
Slowly add the besan slurry into the pan and stir constantly. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, letting the mixture thicken slightly. -
Add the Potatoes:
Mash the boiled potatoes in a separate bowl. Add the mashed potatoes to the pan and mix well. Cook for an additional 8 minutes, allowing the potatoes to absorb all the delicious flavors and the dish to come together. -
Garnish:
Turn off the heat and garnish the Potato Masiyal with freshly chopped coriander leaves. The aromatic coriander adds a burst of freshness to the rich and spiced dish. -
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Tamil Nadu Style Potato Masiyal hot with puris, chapatis, or even steamed rice. It also pairs wonderfully with spinach raita (Palak Raita) for a wholesome meal.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetable Addition: You can add vegetables like carrots, peas, or beans along with the potatoes for a more wholesome dish.
- Coconut Variation: Some versions of Potato Masiyal include grated coconut for added richness. If you prefer a coconut flavor, you can stir in some freshly grated coconut towards the end of cooking.
- Spiciness Level: Adjust the number of green chilies based on your spice preference. For a milder flavor, use fewer chilies or remove the seeds before chopping.
- Curry Leaves: Curry leaves are a key ingredient in Tamil Nadu cuisine, providing a distinct aroma and flavor. Try to include them for the authentic taste.
Nutritional Information
(per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Sugars | 2g |
Conclusion
This Tamil Nadu Style Potato Masiyal brings the authentic flavors of South India to your table with minimal effort. The comforting mashed potatoes are infused with a variety of spices and tempered with the richness of sesame oil, creating a dish that’s flavorful and hearty. Whether you’re looking for a traditional side dish or a complete meal, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. Serve it with your favorite flatbread or rice and enjoy a taste of Tamil Nadu in your home!
