Batata Bhaji
 
Prep time
Cook time
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Batata Bhaji, also known as Aloo Bhaji or Potato Bhaji, is a popular and versatile dish from the Indian subcontinent, especially from Maharashtra state. This delightful vegetarian preparation features spiced and seasoned potatoes that are sautéed to perfection. Whether enjoyed as a standalone snack or as a side dish with your favorite meal and never fails to satisfy taste buds.
Author:
Recipe type: side dish
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 3-4
Ingredients
  • 4 Medium Sized Potatoes
  • 2 tbsp Cooking Oil
  • 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
  • 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
  • 4-5 Curry Leaves
  • Pinch of Asafetida/Hing
  • 2-3 Green Chilies
  • 1 inch Piece of Ginger
  • ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
  • ½ Lime/Lemon Juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh Coriander Leaves, Chopped (for Garnishing)
Instructions
  1. Place potatoes in a pot of salted water and bring it to a boil.
  2. Cook the potatoes until they are just tender. Be careful not to overcook them, as they should retain their shape.
  3. Drain and let it cool down, peel the skin of potatoes, and cut it into the cubes or just crumble gently with hand, let it the big chunks, do not mash it.
  4. In a blender jar or mortar pestle add ginger and green chilies and make a coarse paste/mixture.
  5. Heat oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
  6. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds to the hot oil and let them splutter, then add curry leaves and pinch of hing.
  7. Add the ginger-garlic paste to the skillet and cook for a minute until fragrant.
  8. Reduce the heat to low and add turmeric powder. Mix well to combine the spices.
  9. Add boiled potato cubes in the seasoning mixture, add salt, lemon juice, sprinkle 1 tbsp water and gently mix until they are evenly coated.
  10. Increase the heat to medium and cook the potatoes for about 2-3 minutes. This allows the flavors to infuse into the potatoes.
  11. Garnish the Batata Bhaji with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
  12. Serve hot with chapatis, puris, or as a side dish with rice. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the bhaji for an extra tangy flavor.
Notes
You can use garlic cloves along with ginger and green chilies to make paste.
Sauté sliced onion in tempering if you like it.
Experiment with different spice blends such as garam masala or coriander powder to customize the taste according to your preference.
To make it more nutritious, you can add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers along with the potatoes.
Recipe by Binjal's VEG Kitchen at https://binjalsvegkitchen.com/batata-bhaji/