Aloo Took Recipe – Sindhi Style Double Baked Crispy Potatoes
The Aloo Took, also known as Tuk Patata, is a beloved Sindhi-style side dish or snack that captures the essence of traditional Sindhi cuisine. With its crispy texture and zesty flavors, this dish is a perfect accompaniment to a variety of Indian meals or even enjoyed on its own as a delightful snack. The potatoes are first parboiled, then baked and gently pressed to enhance their crispy nature, making them irresistibly crunchy. Tossed in a medley of spices like red chili powder, turmeric, coriander, and dry mango powder (or lemon juice), Aloo Took offers a burst of flavor with every bite. Whether paired with a comforting bowl of dal (lentils), kadhi (yogurt-based curry), and rice or served alongside masala chai and mint chutney, this dish is versatile and sure to be loved by all.
Cuisine: Sindhi
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (Aloo) | 10 small-sized potatoes (not baby potatoes) |
| Oil or Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chili Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Amchur (Dry Mango Powder) | 1/2 teaspoon or Juice of 1 lemon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Instructions
-
Prepare the Potatoes:
Begin by cleaning the potatoes thoroughly under running water. Peel the potatoes and place them in a heavy-bottomed pot, making sure the potatoes are fully submerged in water. Add a pinch of salt to the water, and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once the water boils, reduce the heat and let the potatoes simmer for 7-10 minutes. The goal is to soften them slightly without making them too tender. The potatoes should be firm enough to hold their shape but soft enough to allow a knife to pierce through. -
-
Preheat the Oven:
While the potatoes are cooking, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). -
Drain and Bake the Potatoes:
Once the potatoes are parboiled, drain the water and transfer them to a baking tray. Drizzle the oil or melted butter over the potatoes, ensuring they are well-coated. Toss the potatoes gently to coat evenly in the oil. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside. -
Cool and Press the Potatoes:
After 30 minutes, remove the tray from the oven and allow the potatoes to cool for about 10 minutes. Do not turn off the oven, as we will be baking them again. Once the potatoes have cooled slightly, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to gently press each potato. The goal is to break open the potato slightly and flatten it without causing it to crumble completely. Be careful to press them gently, as you want them to stay intact but have an open surface for the spices to cling to. -
Season the Potatoes:
Once all the potatoes are pressed, generously sprinkle them with the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Toss the potatoes gently to ensure the spices coat the potatoes evenly. -
Bake for Crispy Perfection:
Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy. Be sure to flip them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. -
Final Touch:
Once the potatoes are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven. Adjust the seasoning to taste. You can sprinkle some amchur (dry mango powder) or squeeze fresh lemon juice over the potatoes for an extra zing of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Aloo Took hot as a side dish with North Indian Style Dal or Kadhi and rice for a simple yet satisfying meal. Alternatively, enjoy it as a flavorful snack alongside Pudina Chutney (mint chutney) and a steaming cup of Masala Chai for an indulgent tea-time treat. This dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, offering the perfect balance of spice and crunch in every bite.
This Sindhi-style Aloo Took recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings a crispy and tangy punch to your meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or as a quick and tasty snack, its bold flavors and satisfying crunch will leave everyone wanting more!
