Name: Masala Potato: A Flavorful and Spicy Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 4 medium-sized potatoes (peeled and diced); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee; 1 teaspoon cumin seeds; 1 small onion (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1-inch piece ginger (grated); 1 green chili (optional, chopped); 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon cumin powder; Salt to taste; Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional); Water (as needed)

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If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful dish to spice up your meal, Masala Potatoes are the answer! These spiced potatoes are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with bold, aromatic flavors from Indian spices. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, a snack, or part of a larger spread, Masala Potatoes are guaranteed to become a crowd favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

What makes Masala Potatoes so irresistible is how well they balance spices, textures, and flavors. The potatoes are sautéed with a mix of traditional Indian spices, which infuse them with a savory, warm flavor. Whether you like your potatoes on the spicier side or prefer a milder taste, you can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences. Plus, this dish is incredibly versatile—serve it with flatbreads, rice, or as a stand-alone snack, and you’ll see just how well it pairs with a variety of meals.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick look at the main ingredients for these flavorful Masala Potatoes. Full ingredient details are below!

Potatoes (peeled and cubed)
Oil (vegetable or mustard oil works best)
Onion (chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Ginger (grated or minced)
Tomatoes (chopped)
Green chilies (optional, for heat)
Ground turmeric
Ground cumin
Ground coriander
Red chili powder (adjust to spice preference)
Salt
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Lemon juice (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Start by boiling the potatoes until they are just tender. You don’t want them to be mushy, so keep an eye on them while they cook. Once boiled, drain and set them aside to cool a little. Then, cut them into bite-sized cubes.

Step 2: Prepare the Spices

While your potatoes are boiling, gather your spices. Mix the turmeric, cumin, coriander, and red chili powder together in a small bowl. This will ensure an even flavor distribution when you cook the potatoes.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them until they turn golden brown. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Cook Down

Add the chopped tomatoes and green chilies (if using) to the pan. Stir everything together and let the tomatoes cook down for about 5-7 minutes until they become soft and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.

Step 5: Cook the Potatoes with Spices

Once the tomatoes have softened, it’s time to add the boiled potato cubes to the pan. Sprinkle in the spice mix you prepared earlier, along with some salt to taste. Toss the potatoes gently to coat them with the spices. Let the potatoes cook for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure they don’t burn and that the flavors really soak in.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the potatoes are well-coated with the masala and have become crispy in parts, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro and squeeze a little lemon juice over the top for a fresh, tangy finish. Serve hot with your favorite flatbread, rice, or just enjoy them on their own!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Crispy potatoes: For extra crispy potatoes, you can shallow fry the cubed potatoes after boiling them. Just fry them in a little oil until golden before adding them to the masala mixture.
Spice level: Adjust the amount of red chili powder and green chilies based on your spice tolerance. For a milder version, skip the green chilies and use less chili powder.
Flavor variations: Try adding a pinch of garam masala at the end of cooking for extra depth. You can also add a few curry leaves for an aromatic, South Indian touch.
Make it vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan, but if you want to add more texture, you can throw in some peas or carrots for added flavor and color.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Add protein: Add some cooked chickpeas or paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cubes to the masala for a more substantial dish. The creamy paneer pairs wonderfully with the spicy potatoes.
Different herbs: If you don’t have fresh cilantro, you can use mint leaves for a fresh, herby twist. Fresh mint pairs beautifully with the warm spices of the masala.
Add a bit of sweetness: For a sweet-spicy combo, toss in some raisins or chopped dried apricots along with the potatoes.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Masala Potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair well with so many dishes. Serve them alongside naan or roti for a complete meal, or serve them over steamed rice for a comforting, flavorful dish. They also make a great accompaniment to dal (lentils) or curry. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, you can enjoy them with a cooling cucumber raita or a side of fresh salad.

For a snack or appetizer, these potatoes are perfect on their own or served with a side of tamarind chutney or mint yogurt dip.

Storage and Reheating Tips

You can store leftover Masala Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can warm them in the microwave, but for that extra crispiness, try reheating them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. You may need to add a little more oil to help them crisp up again.

4 FAQs

1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes! Sweet potatoes will work great in this recipe. They’ll bring a touch of sweetness to the dish that pairs wonderfully with the spices.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can boil the potatoes and prepare the masala mixture ahead of time. When you’re ready to serve, just heat the masala and toss in the boiled potatoes to finish cooking them.

3. Can I make this recipe spicier?
Of course! Add more green chilies, red chili powder, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

4. Can I freeze Masala Potatoes?
While it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, you can freeze the cooked potatoes for up to 2 months. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave once thawed.

Conclusion

Masala Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food that’s bursting with flavor and spice. With the perfect blend of spices, crispy edges, and a soft, tender center, they’re sure to be a hit at any meal. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, snack, or main course, these potatoes will definitely spice up your dinner. Try them out the next time you’re craving something bold and flavorful—you won’t regret it!

Masala Potato: A Flavorful and Spicy Delight

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish, Snack, Vegetarian
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Indian
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Masala Potato is a simple yet flavorful Indian dish where potatoes are cooked in a spicy masala sauce. The combination of aromatic spices, such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric, gives this dish an irresistible taste that’s perfect as a side dish or a snack. This vegetarian and gluten-free recipe is quick to prepare, making it an easy addition to any meal.

Instructions

Boil the potatoes: In a large pot, add diced potatoes and cover them with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender but not mushy. Drain the water and set the potatoes aside.
Heat the spices: In a large skillet or pan, heat oil or ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter for about 30 seconds.
Sauté the aromatics: Add chopped onions and sauté until they become golden brown (about 5 minutes). Add garlic, ginger, and green chili (if using) and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Cook the masala: Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, ground coriander, cumin powder, and salt. Stir well to combine the spices and cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices are aromatic and slightly toasted.
Add the potatoes: Add the boiled potatoes to the pan and toss them gently in the masala. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the potatoes to absorb the flavors and become crispy on the edges.
Finish and serve: Sprinkle garam masala over the cooked potatoes and toss. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness. Serve warm.

Notes

You can add peas or other vegetables to this dish to make it more filling.
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder or green chilies.
For a crispier texture, you can shallow fry the boiled potatoes before adding the masala mixture.
Masala potatoes are great as a side dish with Indian bread like naan, roti, or even rice.