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–+ servings
Indian-Spiced New Potatoes in Tomato Sauce (Aloo Tamatar Sab – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Indian-Spiced New Potatoes in Tomato Sauce (Aloo Tamatar Sabji)

A comforting and soulful Indian potato dish featuring tender new potatoes bathed in a vibrant, luscious tomato sauce made with a freshly ground spice blend. Perfect with naan or toast.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 5 serving
Calories: 285
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • For the Potatoes
  • 24 oz (685 g) waxy new potatoes, max 2 inches / 5 cm diameter
  • Whole Spices (for Grinding)
  • 3 to 4 whole cloves
  • 6 to 8 whole black peppercorns
  • 2 tsp (10 ml) coriander seeds
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) cumin seeds
  • ½ tsp fennel seeds
  • Wet Paste Blend
  • 1 inch / 2.5 cm piece fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
  • 2 to 3 hot green chilies, to taste
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh coriander leaves or parsley
  • 2 to 3 tbsp (45 ml) water
  • 4 tbsp (60 ml) ghee (or 2 tbsp / 30 ml vegetable oil + 2 tbsp / 30 ml melted unsalted butter)
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) black mustard seeds
  • 6 to 8 fresh curry leaves
  • 12 oz (340 g) tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) garam masala
  • ½ tsp chat masala
  • 1 ½ tsp salt, or to taste
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh coriander leaves or parsley, for garnish
  • Use the smallest, waxy new potatoes you can find (like red or fingerling) for the best creamy texture and to avoid peeling.
  • For the most intense flavor, toast the whole spices in a dry pan for 30-60 seconds until fragrant before grinding them.
  • Make it ahead! The tomato sauce and boiled potatoes can be prepared a day in advance and stored separately in the fridge. Just combine and reheat to serve.
  • Control the heat by deseeding the green chilies for a milder flavor, or leave them in for an extra kick.

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Potatoes: Boil the potatoes in their skins until fork-tender.
  2. Once cool enough to handle, peel if desired and cut into ½-inch (1. 5 cm) pieces.
  3. Set aside.
  4. Make the Spice Paste: In a spice grinder or mortar, grind the cloves, peppercorns, coriander, cumin, and fennel seeds into a fine powder.
  5. Transfer this to a blender with the ginger, green chilies, 1 tbsp (15 ml) of fresh coriander, and water.
  6. Blend to a smooth paste.
  7. Temper the Spices: Heat the ghee (or oil) in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  8. Once shimmering, add the mustard seeds and let them pop and turn gray. If using the oil/butter combo, add the butter now.
  9. Build the Sauce: Carefully add the curry leaves, followed by the chopped tomatoes and turmeric.
  10. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring, until the tomatoes soften and the oil begins to separate from the mixture.
  11. Add Flavor: Stir in the prepared spice paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This step is crucial to cook out the raw flavors.
  12. Finish the Dish: Gently fold in the cooked potatoes, garam masala, chat masala, and salt.
  13. Stir to coat everything evenly.
  14. Cover and cook on low for 3-5 minutes, until the potatoes are heated through.
  15. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) of fresh coriander and serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 5gFat: 14g

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