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Let's begin with aloo sabzi- the most simple potato curry, easily prepared and accompanied by puri, to make a flavour-rich comfort meal.
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First, heat two tablespoons of oil in a huge wok over medium heat.
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As soon as it is hot, add one teaspoon of carom seeds, or ajwain, to it.
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Carom seeds leave a appetizing, pungent, peppery fragrance and are well known to contribute toward digestion, making these seeds a great accompaniment to this wholesome recipe.
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Let the seeds sizzle in the oil for a few seconds, and then let the flavour of the seeds mix into the oil. Now add ⅓ cup of chopped onions, that's about one medium-sized onion.
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Now saut the onions until they are translucent and a bit golden. That should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
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The onions will give a foundation of sweetness and depth to your curry.
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Then add in 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh ginger and one teaspoon finely chopped garlic, if you like.
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The garlic is purely optional but does add another depth of flavour.
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If you like, add 1 or 2 green chillies, chopped or slit, to give that little kick to the dish.
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Now stir everything together and cook for about a minute, allowing the ginger, garlic, and chillies to let their aromas loose.
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You'll now add one cup of chopped tomatoes. That is about two medium to large tomatoes.
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The tomatoes produce a tart-rich base for the curry.
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Stir in the tomatoes to the mixture and cook them until they soften, break down and leak out their juices.
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It should be 4 to 5 minutes as the tomatoes will create a thick sauce at that point that may coat the potatoes later on.
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Once the tomatoes have softened, add spices.
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Start with 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder for its earthy flavour and vibrant colour.
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Then you can add one teaspoon of red chilli powder or cayenne pepper as desired.
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Add 1/2 teaspoon garam masala for a deep aromatic flavour.
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Add a pinch of asafoetida, which enhances the flavour with a subtle umami note and balances the flavour further.
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Mix all spices in the tomato-onion mix, making sure that the spice flavours are well combined.
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Add 2 cups of diced potatoes, about 350 grams, or five medium-sized peeled and cubed to bite-sized pieces. Stir the potatoes so that they are coated well with the spice-tomato mixture.
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Add 2 cups of water to the pan to cook the potatoes and develop curry gravy. Stir everything well.
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Then put a lid on the pan and let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes on low heat until they become tender and boiled.
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Check the potatoes at times and stir them to make them cook uniformly and take in all the flavours from the curry.
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Half to 1 teaspoon of dry mango powder (amchur) may be added to the cooked potatoes if you want a sour taste at the end.
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It imparts a lovely brightness to the curry and a gentle sourness that chimes in perfectly with the spices.
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Garnish the aloo sabzi with 1 to 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped coriander leaves for a fresh, herby touch.
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You can start preparing the puris while the aloo sabzi is cooking.
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In a large bowl, put 2.5 to 3 cups of whole wheat flour and one teaspoon of oil.
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Gradually add water and knead the mixture into a stiff yet pliable dough.
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The dough should not be very soft as the firmer dough helps puris to puff up when fried.
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Then punch the dough down and divide it into small balls; roll those out into small round discs that are approximately 3 to 4 inches in diameter.
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Heat oil in a deep pan for frying. When hot, slide one puri gently into the oil and fry till it puffs up and then turns golden brown on both sides; it usually takes 30-40 seconds on each side.
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Let the puris drain on paper towels to blot excess oil.
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Serve the hot, puffed puris with the tangy, spiced aloo sabzi for a truly delectable meal.
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Softer, fluffier puris are so nice with this flavourful potato curry; you can easily enjoy this comforting treat.
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One can have it with pickles, yoghurt, or your choice of chutney.