Masaura and Potato Tarkari: A Delightful Indian Vegetarian Dish
Masaura, which are dehydrated balls made from black lentil paste and minced vegetables, hold a special place in Indian cuisine. These small lentil balls are sun-dried to preserve them for future use, typically in curries or tarkaris. The combination of masaura with potatoes (aloo) and a variety of aromatic spices creates a delicious and comforting dish. Perfect for an everyday meal, Masaura and Potato Tarkari is a hearty vegetarian recipe that will warm both your heart and your taste buds.
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and a fresh kachumber salad for a complete meal that captures the essence of Indian home cooking.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients for Masaura and Potato Tarkari
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Masauras (dehydrated black-lentil balls) | 1 cup |
| Potatoes (Aloo), chopped | 1 cup |
| Onions, chopped | 1 cup |
| Tomatoes, chopped | 1 cup |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ginger, paste | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic, paste | 1 teaspoon |
| Green Chilli, paste | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh cream | 1/2 cup |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Oil | 6 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper powder | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
| Potassium | 500mg |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions
-
Frying the Masauras
Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the masauras and fry them until they turn golden brown. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside on a plate. -
Cooking the Base
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil and allow it to heat. Once hot, add cumin seeds (jeera) and let them splutter. Then, add the chopped onions and turmeric powder (haldi). Fry the onions until they turn light brown and soften. -
Sautéing the Potatoes
Add the chopped potatoes (aloo) to the pan, followed by salt and black pepper. Cook the potatoes on low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn light brown and are partially cooked. -
Adding Spices and Masauras
Add the ginger, garlic, green chili paste, and cumin powder (jeera) to the mixture. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Then, add the fried masauras back into the pan. -
Simmering the Tarkari
Add the chopped tomatoes, water, and fresh cream to the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fully cooked and tender. -
Final Touches
Once the potatoes are tender, check the seasoning and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary. Turn off the heat and serve the Masaura and Potato Tarkari hot.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Masaura and Potato Tarkari with freshly steamed rice and a side of Kachumber Salad (a fresh cucumber, tomato, and onion salad) for a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
Tips for the Perfect Masaura and Potato Tarkari:
- Adjusting the Spiciness: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of green chili paste or omit it altogether. Alternatively, you can add extra chili if you like a spicier kick.
- Using Fresh Masauras: If you don’t have dried masauras, you can substitute them with any type of fried or boiled lentils. However, the texture and taste will slightly differ from the traditional version.
- Adding Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or even cauliflower to the tarkari for added flavor and nutrition.
- Cream Substitute: If you want to make the dish lighter, you can use yogurt or coconut milk as a substitute for fresh cream. Both will add their own unique flavor to the dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Masaura and Potato Tarkari is the perfect representation of Indian comfort food—flavorful, satisfying, and easy to make. The combination of spices and the hearty texture of masauras makes this dish incredibly appetizing. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious vegetarian option or a quick and delicious lunch, this dish has you covered. The depth of flavor in the masauras combined with the soft, tender potatoes creates a warm and filling meal that will leave you craving more.
Make this recipe a part of your regular meal rotation and enjoy the simplicity and richness of traditional Indian home cooking!
