It happens to everyone: there is no time to run to the market, and the kitchen suddenly has no vegetables left. The biggest question at that moment is simply what to cook. If you ever find yourself stuck like this, buttermilk potatoes can be your easy way out. Made from boiled potatoes and buttermilk, this dish comes together in minutes and tastes wonderful. It is a great favourite in many parts of Uttar Pradesh, where it is even served at weddings and celebrations. The gentle tang of buttermilk combined with everyday spices is what sets it apart from ordinary curries. If you are bored of eating the same vegetables day after day, this recipe can completely refresh your meal.
What You Will Need
The best part is that this dish requires very little fuss and is ready in just a few minutes. You will need 4 to 5 boiled potatoes, 2 cups of buttermilk, 1 tablespoon of gram flour, 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, a pinch of asafoetida, 1 to 2 green chillies, half a teaspoon of turmeric powder, half a teaspoon of red chilli powder, salt to taste, 1 tablespoon of oil and a little fresh coriander. With these few ingredients, you can put together a truly delicious dish.
How to Make It
Start by cutting the boiled potatoes into large pieces. In a bowl, whisk the buttermilk and gram flour together thoroughly so that no lumps remain. Next, heat oil in a pan, and once it is hot, add the cumin seeds and asafoetida to temper. Toss in the finely chopped green chillies and saute for a few seconds. Now add the turmeric and red chilli powder, and immediately pour in the buttermilk and gram flour mixture.
One thing to watch closely here is to keep stirring the mixture continuously so that the buttermilk does not curdle. When the gravy begins to thicken slightly, add the chopped potatoes and salt. Lower the flame and let everything cook for 8 to 10 minutes, so the potatoes soak up the full flavour of the spices and buttermilk. Once the gravy reaches the consistency you like, turn off the heat and garnish with fresh coriander.
How to Serve
Serve the buttermilk potatoes piping hot with roti, paratha or plain rice, whatever you prefer. Its tangy, spicy flavour makes a meal far more enjoyable. The dish is especially loved in summer, since buttermilk helps cool the body from within.
