Aloo Pitika is a popular dish from the Indian state of Assam. It's a simple and flavorful mashed potato dish that is typically served as a side dish with rice and other main courses.
Preparations of Aloo Pitika is very simple. Oil is rarely used at most other North East cuisine but in preparation of Aloo Pitika oil is a must, specially mustard oil. Very few spices like Mustard seeds and methi (fenugreek are used) as well as green chilies and ginger are used in the cooking. Here's a recipe for Aloo Pitika:
Ingredients of Assamese Aloo Pitika:
- 4-5 medium-sized potatoes
- 1-2 green chilies (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 tablespoons mustard oil (you can use vegetable oil if you prefer)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions of making Assamese Aloo Pitika:
1. Start by boiling the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into quarters. Place them in a pot, cover them with water, and add a pinch of salt. Boil the potatoes until they are soft and easily mashable. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork into a potato; it should go in easily.
2. Chop the green chilies and onion finely while the potatoes are boiling. You can adjust the number of green chilies to suit your spice level.
3. Once the potatoes are duly cooked, drain the water and let potatoes cool for a few minutes. Then, mash them with your finger or with a potato masher or a fork. The texture should be somewhat chunky; you don't want a completely smooth mash.
4. In a separate pan, heat the mustard oil over medium heat until it starts to smoke slightly. This is an important step in Assamese cuisine, as it helps remove the pungent taste of raw mustard oil. Turn off the heat and let the oil cool for a minute.
5. Add the chopped green chilies and minced garlic to the hot oil. Stir them for a minute or two until they release their flavors.
6. Add the finely chopped onions to the pan and sauté them until they become translucent and slightly golden.
7. Now, add the mashed potatoes to the pan and mix everything well. Cook for a few minutes, stir occasionally so that it do not burns at bottom. Stirring also allow the flavors to meld together.
8.Add salt to it now and mix well. Taste a little bit , and if require, add more salt to taste.
9. Remove the pan from the heat once everything is well combined and heated through.
10. Garnish the Aloo Pitika with fresh coriander leaves if desired.
11. Serve the Aloo Pitika hot as a side dish with steamed rice and your favorite Assamese or Indian curry.
Aloo Pitika is a comforting and simple dish that's packed with flavor. It's a great way to enjoy the deliciousness of potatoes with a touch of Assamese cuisine. Enjoy!
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