Aloo Tareko (Nepali Spiced Potatoes)
Aloo Tareko is a popular Nepali side dish of pan-fried or stir-fried potatoes seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices. It's often served as part of a larger meal or as a snack.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Potatoes(peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp Mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1/4 tsp Red chili powder(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- to taste Salt
- 1-2 Green chilies(finely chopped (optional))
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
- 1 tsp Lemon juice(optional, for brightness)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Wash the cubed potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. This helps in achieving a crispier texture.
- 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- 3
Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Let them splutter for a few seconds.
- 4
Add the cubed potatoes to the skillet. Stir well to coat them with the oil and seeds.
- 5
Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir everything together to ensure the spices are evenly distributed over the potatoes.
- 6
Cook the potatoes, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender and golden brown with slightly crispy edges. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.
- 7
If using, stir in the finely chopped green chilies during the last few minutes of cooking.
- 8
Once the potatoes are cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and optional lemon juice.
- 9
Serve hot as a side dish with dal bhat, curries, or as a flavorful appetizer.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For extra crispiness, you can parboil the potato cubes for 5 minutes before frying.
- ✓Ensure the oil is hot before adding potatoes to prevent them from becoming greasy.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili powder and green chilies to your spice preference.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) with the spices for an authentic flavor.
- Include thinly sliced onions along with the potatoes for added sweetness and texture.
- A small amount of grated ginger can be added with the garlic for extra warmth.