Aloo Bharta

Serves 4

30 mins

107 Kcal

Aloo Bharta is a typical Indian dish made of crushed potatoes. It is flavoured with spices and herbs, which provide a savoury, comforting side. This dish is prevalent in many regions of India, including the northern and eastern areas. People love taking aloo bharta with rice, roti, or parathas. It is a very simple dish, but its bold and savoury flavours have made it the most loved dish in many Indian homes. The aloo bharta recipe is simple and inexpensive, requiring only a few essential ingredients. Begin by boiling or roasting the potatoes to make them tender, then peel and mash them well. Then, temper the mashed potatoes with aromatic spices, often including mustard oil, cumin seeds, green chillies, ginger, garlic, and turmeric. One may add fresh coriander leaves, mint, or raw onions to add flavour. In some versions of aloo bharta, add some yoghurt or lemon juice to give the dish some creaminess and a touch of sourness, and add some very finely chopped tomatoes to give the dish its acidic taste. Then, the mashed potatoes are well mixed with the tempering, and usually, the dish is garnished with fresh coriander leaves. Aloo bharta is very versatile, easy to make, and very flavourful. It can be served as an accompaniment to any main course or even enjoyed as a light meal. The aloo bharta recipe can be served hot or cold; it remains a staple of Indian cuisine that many continue to prize for its comforting, homely appeal.

Ingredients required for Aloo Bharta

3 potatoes
1 tsp mustard oil
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1 green chilli
1/2 tsp roasted ground cumin
1/2 tsp coriander
1/4 tsp red chili powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp scallion

Cooking steps for Aloo Bharta

1
Let's explore the recipe of aloo bharta, a dish that could be a regular in your kitchen.
2
Start with 3 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or red work best for their creamy texture). Peel them, boil until fork-tender (about 10-12 minutes), and mash them lightly—you want a mix of smooth and chunky bits for the perfect texture.
3
In a small pan, heat 1 teaspoon mustard oil on medium. The sharp, nutty aroma of mustard oil is what makes this dish pop. Toss in 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion and saut until golden and caramelized—about 3-4 minutes.
4
Add 1 finely chopped green chili for some heat, or skip it if you're spice-shy. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon roasted ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander, and a pinch of cayenne or red chili powder if you want to kick it up a notch. Top it up with a sprinkle of black pepper for depth.
5
Now, stir in the mashed potatoes and mix everything until the spices coat the potatoes evenly. If it feels a little dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to loosen it up. Season with salt to taste and stir well.
6
For the finishing touch, transfer the Aloo Bharta to a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped cilantro and scallions for a fresh, herby kick. Serve it warm alongside roti, parathas, or rice, and enjoy the comforting flavors.
7
Aloo Bharta is spicy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying—a must-try if you're looking for an easy, delicious side that's anything but boring.

Shop Ingredients

Chopped Red Onion (1/4 cup)

Salt (1/2 Tsp)

113

105

107

125

Black Pepper (1/4 Tsp)

129

150

276

270

244

173

202

Green Chilli (1)

Mustard Oil (1 Tsp)

171

165

164

879

184

151

331

394

319

Potatoes (3)

Red Chili Powder (1/4 Tsp)

540

Roasted Ground Cumin (1/2 Tsp)

139

216

139

150

350

Coriander (1/2 Tsp)

FAQs

Can I make Aloo Bharta without mustard oil?

Mustard oil is used in Aloo Bharta as it adds characteristic depth to its flavour. However, if you cannot access mustard oil or want to avoid that intense flavour, you can try substituting it with ghee, vegetable, or olive oil. The texture will be the same, but you will miss a characteristic sharpness that mustard oil imparts. Ghee, however, will impart a more characteristic richness than vegetable or olive oil.

Can I add other vegetables to Aloo Bharta?

Aloo Bharta can be a relatively simple dish with mashed potatoes and basic seasoning, though it can be embellished with vegetables to add flavour and texture. Some popular adaptations include the roasted or grilled eggplant (baingan), which gives it a smoky flavour, or chopped onions, tomatoes, or even peas, which can be added for variation. The other vegetables should be finely chopped or mashed and not overwhelm the potatoes.

How can I change the spice level in Aloo Bharta?

Aloo Bharta can easily be toned down or cranked up in terms of spice according to your preference. Adding much fewer green chillies or using only a tiny amount of chilli powder makes it milder, while adding extra chillies or a pinch of red chilli flakes will make it spicier. Feel free to add some ginger or garlic paste to enhance the flavour. Remember that the dish's heat often mellows with time, so taste and adjust the spices as it sits.