Bihari Aloo Bhujiya Recipe: A Simple, Flavorful Delight
Introduction
Bihari Aloo Bhujiya is a quintessential dish from Bihar, known for its simplicity, humble ingredients, and delightful flavors. This dish is often made in Bihari households, especially for breakfast or a quick lunch. The combination of potatoes, turmeric, cumin, and mustard oil creates a fragrant and satisfying meal. The crispy exterior of the potatoes, with the rich taste of mustard oil, adds a comforting touch. Whether served alongside parathas for breakfast or with rice and curry for lunch, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds.
Cuisine: Bihari
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (Aloo) | 2, peeled and cut lengthwise |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Green Chillies | 2, slit into halves |
| Mustard oil | 1-1/2 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Potatoes:
Begin by thoroughly washing the potatoes. Peel them if you prefer, or leave the skin on for added texture. Cut the potatoes into long, thin pieces, similar to finger chips. -
-
Heat the Oil:
In a non-stick wok or skillet, heat mustard oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds. Allow them to splutter, releasing their aromatic essence into the oil. -
Add Green Chillies:
Add the slit green chillies to the wok. Sauté them for a minute to release their fragrance, adding a subtle heat to the dish. -
Cook the Potatoes:
Stir in the chopped potatoes and sprinkle turmeric powder over them. Season with salt to taste. Mix everything well, ensuring that the turmeric coats the potatoes evenly. -
Simmer and Cook:
Reduce the heat to low and cover the wok with a lid. Let the potatoes cook thoroughly, stirring occasionally. The potatoes should become tender but not mushy. -
Crisp the Potatoes:
As the potatoes are nearly cooked, remove the lid and allow the potatoes to become crispy, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking. If you prefer extra crispiness, you can drizzle a little more mustard oil at this stage. -
Final Touches:
Once the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, turn off the heat. Taste and adjust salt if needed. -
Serve:
Transfer the Bihari Aloo Bhujiya to a serving bowl and enjoy it hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with Pudina Paratha or even a side of Punjabi Methi Kadhi for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Tips:
- Texture Preference: You can adjust the level of crispiness based on your preference. For extra crunch, leave the lid off for the final few minutes of cooking.
- Spice Level: If you like a spicier version, consider adding more green chillies or a pinch of red chilli powder.
Serving Suggestions:
Bihari Aloo Bhujiya is traditionally enjoyed with Pudina Paratha (Mint Paratha) for breakfast or a light meal. For lunch, serve it alongside rice and a flavorful curry, such as a simple dal or a vegetable curry, to complete the meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Protein | ~2 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~28 g |
| Fat | ~5 g |
| Fiber | ~3 g |
| Sodium | ~300 mg |
This Bihari Aloo Bhujiya is not only easy to prepare but also packed with comforting flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Bihar. Perfect for any time of day, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
