Mirchi and Aloo Curry Recipe – Long Green Chilli and Potato Curry
Introduction
Mirchi and Aloo Curry (Long Green Chilli and Potato Curry) is a unique and flavorful dish from North India that combines the bold heat of long green chillies with the comforting, earthy taste of potatoes. This vegetarian curry is a perfect balance of spices, including cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, and garam masala, paired harmoniously with a tomato-onion gravy that is infused with the aroma of bay leaves and cloves. The tender potatoes absorb the deliciously spiced gravy, while the green chillies provide a gentle kick without overpowering the dish. A true delight for those who appreciate bold, savory flavors, this curry is best enjoyed with Indian flatbreads like roti or phulka.
Cuisine
North Indian
Course
Lunch or Dinner
Diet
Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Badi Hari Mirch (Large Green Chilli) | 6, seeds removed and chopped |
| Potatoes (Aloo) | 2, peeled and chopped into small pieces |
| Bay Leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 |
| Cardamom Pods/Seeds (Elaichi) | 1 |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 tsp |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 tbsp |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 tbsp |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 tbsp |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
For the Gravy
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion | 2, chopped |
| Tomato | 1, chopped |
| Cloves (Laung) | 4 |
| Green Chilli | 2, chopped |
| Dill Leaves | 2 sprigs, chopped to garnish |
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Instructions
1. Prepare the Gravy Paste
Start by preparing the base gravy for the curry. In a blender, combine the chopped onion, tomato, garlic cloves, chopped green chillies, and dill leaves. Blend everything to a smooth paste. Set it aside for later use.
2. Heat the Oil and Temper Spices
In a pressure cooker, heat about 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and let them crackle. After that, add the whole spices — bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and cardamom. Allow these spices to release their fragrant aromas into the oil, which will infuse the curry with their deep flavors.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
Next, add the chopped long green chillies and potatoes to the pressure cooker. Stir well and sauté them for about 4-5 minutes. This step helps the potatoes to absorb the flavors of the spices before the gravy is added.
4. Add the Gravy and Spices
Now, add the prepared gravy paste to the cooker along with the ground spices: red chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, and turmeric powder. Stir everything together to ensure that the spices and vegetables are well combined. Add salt to taste.
5. Cook the Curry
Once the ingredients are well mixed, add about 1 cup of water to the pressure cooker. Stir everything and close the lid. Cook the curry for 2 whistles on medium heat. After the pressure is released, open the lid and check the consistency of the curry. If you prefer a thicker curry, let it simmer without the lid for a few minutes to reduce the sauce.
6. Serve and Garnish
Once the curry is ready, sprinkle freshly chopped dill leaves over the top for a burst of fresh flavor. This will also add a pleasant green color and aroma to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your delicious Mirchi and Aloo Curry with warm Phulka (roti) or Bihari Karela and Aloo Ki Subzi for a wholesome North Indian meal. The soft, fluffy roti perfectly complements the spicy and savory curry, while the Karela subzi adds a delightful contrast in taste. This curry also pairs wonderfully with steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips & Variations
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chillies based on your tolerance for heat. For a milder version, you can reduce the number of green chillies or even skip them entirely.
- Potato Texture: If you like your potatoes slightly crispy, sauté them for a bit longer before adding the gravy.
- Add Protein: To make the curry more filling, you can add paneer cubes or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, peas, or cauliflower for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugars | 3 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Conclusion
Mirchi and Aloo Curry is an excellent dish for anyone who loves bold, spicy flavors paired with the comfort of potatoes. The combination of green chillies, earthy potatoes, and aromatic spices creates a savory, mouth-watering curry that will make any meal feel special. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a simple lunch, this North Indian recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for something spicy yet balanced. Enjoy the taste of traditional Indian cuisine with this delightful and easy-to-make curry!
