Peela aloo is a vibrant, aromatic dish that celebrates the warmth of golden spices and tender potatoes. This simple yet flavourful recipe brings together turmeric, cumin, and mustard seeds to create a dish that's both comforting and full of character. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, it's a wonderful way to elevate everyday potatoes into something truly special.
Ingredients
- 6-8 potatoes or a small bag of new potatoes
- A nob of butter or your preferred oil (olive or coconut)
- 2-3 garlic cloves, chopped fine
- 1 tsp ground turmeric or a nob of fresh turmeric, grated
- 1 tsp Celtic salt
- Half tsp chilli powder and/or one fresh diced green chilli
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Half a tsp brown mustard seeds
Method
Step 1: Prepare the potatoes
Wash your potatoes thoroughly and cut them into bite-sized chunks. If using new potatoes, you can leave them whole or halve them depending on their size. There's no need to peel them , the skin adds texture and nutrients.
Step 2: Heat your fat
Warm the butter or oil in a large pan or heavy-bottomed pot over a medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add the brown mustard seeds and let them crackle and pop for a minute or two. This releases their nutty flavour and sets the foundation for your dish.
Step 3: Infuse with aromatics
Add the finely chopped garlic to the pan and stir gently for about a minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown , you want it soft and golden.
Step 4: Add the spices
Sprinkle in the ground turmeric, ground cumin, and chilli powder (or add the fresh diced green chilli if you prefer). Stir everything together for about 30 seconds to toast the spices and release their essential oils. The kitchen will smell absolutely wonderful.
Step 5: Cook the potatoes
Add your pre boiled potatoes to the pan and toss them well to coat in the spiced oil. Sprinkle over the Celtic salt and stir to combine.
Step 6: Place all the ingredients into the oven
Place all the ingredients onto an oven proof dish on a medium heat for 30 minutes until golden and crisp.
Step 7: Finish and serve
Once cooked, remove from the oven and taste for seasoning. Adjust the salt and spices to your preference. Serve warm as a side dish alongside curries, roasted vegetables, or simply with a dollop of yoghurt and fresh coriander if you have it on hand.
