Dhaniya Aloo

        Navratri (nine nights) is a festival dedicated to the Hindu deity Durga ... This nine day long festival is celebrated in different ways all over India... For some it is a reason to feast on delectable dishes, and some observe fast. From Dandiya(folk dance) in Gujarat to big Durga Pandals in Kolkata, this festival marks the beginning of the festive season. Whatever be the way of celebration, the food is always special. 

   

     It may sound weird, although there is restriction on what one can eat, the Falhari food(the food which people eat in fast) is far more delicious than the normal food. When we were kids, we would just keep fast, so that we could hog onto those yummy delights. This is the simplest one of the pack.

Ingredients :

Potatoes - 5 medium sized
Coriander powder - 1 Tbsp
Cumin seeds(Jeera) - 1 tsp
Red chili powder - 1/4 tsp
Green chili - 1
Rock salt (Sendha namak) - 2 tsp (salt to be eaten during fast)
Dry mango powder(Amchoor powder) - 1 tsp (optional)
Coriander - few sprigs
Oil/ Ghee - 1 Tbsp

Pre- Preparation :

1. Par Boil the potatoes and remove the skin .
2. Cut the potatoes in large cubes.
3. Finely chop the green chili and coriander.

Preparation :

1. In a pan, add oil.
2. One the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and green chili . Let it sizzle for a minute.
3. Add the coriander powder and roast it for a minute.
4. Add the potatoes and mix well , so that the potatoes get coated with the masala(mix).
5. Season it with salt,red chili powder, and dry mango powder.
6. Add some of the chopped coriander(leave some for garnish).
7. Cook the potatoes on medium to high flame, stirring in between, till a nice reddish brown coat is formed on the potatoes.
8. Garnish with coriander and serve.


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