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Bengali Potato and Radish Stir-fry (Aloo Mooli Sabji) – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Bengali Potato and Radish Stir-fry (Aloo Mooli Sabji)

Step into the heart of Bengal with a recipe that carries the soul of festival cooking. This culinary masterpiece from legendary chef Sriman Ram Lal Dass beautifully marries the earthy sweetness of potatoes with the sharp, peppery bite of mooli (daikon radish), all brought togethe
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 210
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • The Masala Paste
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) White poppy seeds OR chopped almonds
  • 1 inch / 2.5 cm piece Fresh ginger root, scraped and coarsely chopped
  • 2 to 3 Hot green chilies, to taste
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) Coarsely chopped fresh coriander or parsley
  • 1/8 tsp (0.6 ml) Ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp (0.6 ml) Ground cloves
  • 1/8 tsp (0.6 ml) Ground nutmeg
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) Water
  • The Vegetables & Tempering
  • 4 tbsp (60 ml) Ghee, mustard oil, or vegetable oil
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) Kalonji nigella seeds
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) Cumin seeds
  • 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) Yellow asafetida powder hing
  • 16 oz (455 g) Potatoes, about 3 medium, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice
  • 8 oz (230 g) White mooli/daikon radish, shredded
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) Turmeric powder
  • 2 tsp (10 ml) Ground coriander powder
  • Finishing Touches
  • 1.25 tsp (6 ml) Salt
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) Fresh chopped coriander or parsley, reserved
  • 2 tsp (10 ml) Lime or lemon juice
  • If using mustard oil, always heat it until it just starts to smoke. This crucial step removes its raw pungency, leaving a pleasant, nutty flavor.
  • If the vegetables begin to stick to the bottom of the pan while cooking, add a tablespoon of water to deglaze and prevent scorching.
  • Be mindful of your asafetida (hing). Compounded yellow asafetida is milder; if you're using pure, potent resin, use only about a quarter of the amount called for.
  • For the best texture, use the large holes on a box grater to shred your radish. This ensures it cooks down beautifully without becoming mushy.

Method
 

  1. Create the Masala Paste: In a blender, combine the poppy seeds or almonds, ginger, green chilies, 1 tbsp (15 ml) of fresh herbs, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and water.
  2. Blend until you have a completely smooth paste.
  3. Set it aside for later.
  4. Heat the Pan & Oil: Place a heavy-bottomed pan or wok over high heat.
  5. Add your chosen fat—ghee, mustard oil, or vegetable oil. If using mustard oil, heat it until it just begins to smoke to mellow its pungent flavor.
  6. Temper the Whole Spices: Once the oil is hot, add the kalonji and cumin seeds.
  7. Fry for a few seconds until the cumin seeds darken slightly and become fragrant. Quickly stir in the asafetida powder.
  8. Sauté the Potatoes: Immediately add the diced potatoes to the sizzling spices.
  9. Stir-fry vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes, ensuring they get a nice, even coating.
  10. Add Radish & Masala: Tumble in the shredded radish and pour in the masala paste you prepared earlier.
  11. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  12. Cook Until Tender: Reduce the heat to medium-high.
  13. Sprinkle in the turmeric and ground coriander powder.
  14. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
  15. Finish & Serve: Turn off the heat.
  16. Fold in the salt, the remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) of fresh herbs, and the fresh lime or lemon juice. Give it one final stir and serve immediately while hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 4gFat: 11g

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