### Aloo Fry: A Rapid and Crunchy Potato Treat
Aloo fry, an acclaimed Indian dish, features a straightforward yet enjoyable way to prepare potatoes swiftly and with minimal oil. This crunchy potato fry acts as a superb side dish, perfectly pairing with rice and dal or sambar. Here’s how to create this simple and tasty recipe.
#### Ingredients
– 2 large potatoes
– 2 tablespoons oil (preferably less)
– Salt (to taste)
– Spices for tempering:
– 1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds
– A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
– A few curry leaves
– Spice powders:
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1 teaspoon coriander powder
#### Preparation Steps
1. **Prepping the Potatoes**:
– Peel the potatoes and immerse them in water overnight or for a few hours to eliminate excess starch. This step is vital for attaining a crispy texture.
– After soaking, chop the potatoes into even cubes to ensure consistent cooking.
2. **Soaking in Salt Water**:
– Submerge the cubed potatoes in salted water for a few hours. This enhances flavor and further diminishes starch.
3. **Draining and Drying**:
– Drain the potatoes and allow them to rest in a strainer for a minute. Then, dab them dry with a kitchen towel to eliminate any moisture.
4. **Cooking**:
– Heat a well-seasoned cast iron skillet or a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the oil and allow it to warm up.
– When the oil becomes hot, add mustard seeds and let them sputter. Follow with asafoetida and curry leaves for tempering.
– Introduce the cubed potatoes to the pan. Toss gently to coat them in the oil and spices.
– Sprinkle salt and the spice powders (turmeric, red chili, and coriander) over the potatoes.
– Cook the potatoes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside, around 15-20 minutes. Manage the heat to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
5. **Serving**:
– Once finished, take the aloo fry from the pan and serve hot as a side dish with rice, dal, or yogurt.
#### Tips for Perfect Aloo Fry
– **Uniform Sizing**: Make sure all potato pieces are of similar size for even cooking.
– **Minimal Tossing**: Limit stirring to enable the potatoes to form a crispy crust.
– **Oil Control**: Using less oil can still produce a crispy fry if the potatoes are prepared properly.
#### Conclusion
Aloo fry is a flexible dish that can be adjusted with various spices and ingredients. By adhering to these simple steps and suggestions, you can craft a delicious, crunchy potato fry that is not only quick to prepare but also healthy due to the lowered oil content. Enjoy this delightful dish alongside your favorite Indian meals!