Bengali Aloo Dum Recipe
Description:
Bengali Aloo Dum, also known as Dum Aloo, is a rich and flavorful Bengali dish where baby potatoes are simmered in a spicy and tangy tomato-onion-yogurt gravy. The potatoes are cooked in a fragrant masala, absorbing all the aromatic spices, creating a mouthwatering combination of flavors. This vegetarian delight is perfect for family meals, and it pairs wonderfully with Bengali Luchi, Cholar Dal, and Lauki Raita.
Cuisine: Bengali
Course: Main Course
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients to be ground into paste:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ginger | 1-inch piece, chopped |
| Green Chillies | 2, chopped |
| Onion | 1, roughly chopped |
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
For Roasting Baby Potatoes:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Baby Potatoes | 300 grams, boiled and skin peeled |
| Mustard Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
For Dum Aloo Masala:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mustard Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 4 |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1-inch piece |
| Cloves (Laung) | 4 |
| Bay Leaf (Tej Patta) | 2 leaves |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Homemade Tomato Puree | 1-1/2 cups |
| Curd (Dahi/Yogurt) | 1/2 cup |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Coriander Leaves (Dhania) | 6 sprigs, finely chopped |
Preparation Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
50 minutes
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Paste
Begin by preparing the spice paste. Place the ginger, green chillies, onion, and garlic into a blender and grind them into a smooth paste. Transfer the paste into a bowl and set it aside for later use.
Step 2: Roast the Potatoes
Heat 1 tablespoon of mustard oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the boiled and peeled baby potatoes, a pinch of turmeric powder, and salt. Sauté the potatoes until they turn golden brown and crisp on the outside. This step enhances the flavor of the potatoes while ensuring they remain tender inside. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Masala
In the same frying pan, add another tablespoon of mustard oil. Then, add the prepared onion-ginger-garlic paste to the pan. Sauté on low heat for about 5 minutes until the paste turns golden and the raw smell disappears. Don’t worry about the potato bits stuck to the pan, as they will incorporate into the masala later on.
Next, add the whole spices: cardamom, cinnamon stick, cloves, and bay leaf. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes until the spices release their aromatic fragrance.
Step 4: Cook the Spices
Now, add the homemade tomato puree to the pan. Stir in the turmeric powder, coriander powder, and garam masala powder. If you like it spicier, feel free to add a teaspoon of red chilli powder. Continue to sauté the masala for a few minutes until the oil starts to separate from the mixture, indicating that the masala is well-cooked.
Step 5: Add the Yogurt and Potatoes
To the pan, add the yogurt and mix it well into the masala. Then, gently stir in the roasted baby potatoes and add a tablespoon of honey. The sweetness from the honey balances the tanginess from the yogurt and tomatoes, enhancing the overall flavor.
Step 6: Simmer the Aloo Dum
Check the salt and adjust as needed. Cover the pan and let the potatoes simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes. Stir the masala occasionally to ensure the potatoes are evenly coated with the gravy. You’ll know the dish is ready when the gravy thickens and coats the potatoes perfectly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the Bengali Aloo Dum is done, turn off the heat. Stir in the finely chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness. Transfer the dish to a serving bowl and enjoy this delicious, aromatic curry!
Serve the Bengali Aloo Dum with Bengali Luchi, Cholar Dal, and Lauki Raita for a complete and flavorful meal. This comforting dish is sure to delight your family with its robust flavors and rich texture.
Tips:
- For an extra touch, you can add a sprinkle of garam masala at the end to enhance the fragrance.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, you can substitute the yogurt with a little fresh cream.
- Adjust the spice levels by adding more or less red chilli powder, depending on your preference.
Enjoy the authentic taste of Bengali Aloo Dum in your own kitchen!
