What's in a name we may say, but at times it becomes very maddening when you get to the heart of the things. Dum Aloo or Aloo Dum is one such thing. Even now I don't really know what separates these day or how and why two different names. It was the time during my first crush on North Indian cuisine, that I began to search for this recipe. At one point I had so many Dum Aloos and Aloo Dums. Each in a different proportions! But all said and done, nobody actually said what makes it different. I have stopped searching for reasons. I can understand different versions of Sambar but we don't call it Barsam right? Well this is what I felt too. The many different recipes on hand, called for different items. In an age when you can do anything given the mood, you can expect to try out so. But finding time to even take a proper breath becomes a task, you really can't think of searching for the many varied things a recipe might call for right. That's why I chose the easiest of the lot. Came out exceedingly well, I was even trilled that my daughter wanted to have this the next day and took a promise that I will prepare it again the same week. It was quite spicy but Konda has a thing. The dishes that she likes, can be the spiciest food you have ever prepared, yet she will like and eat. Other times, even if its mildly spicy, she will not even touch. This recipe is something I prepared some years back, so know it tastes good. I also have so many variations, not really sure how they would taste but couldn't try as it called for elaborate process. This is quite simple and easy and it tasted great!
Ingredients Needed:
Baby potatoes - 250 gms
Onions - 2 medium
Green Chillies - 2
Ginger Garlic paste - 1 tsp
Tomatoes - 3 medium
Chilli powder - 1 tsp
Amchur powder - 1/2 tsp
Turmeric powder - a pinch
Garam Masala - 1/2 tsp
Bay leaf - 1
Asafetida a pinch
Clove - 1
Cinnamon - 1"
Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp
Coriander leaves - for garnish
Salt to taste
Oil - 2 tsp
Method to prepare:
Clean and boil potatoes till they are soft. Peel and keep it aside.
Make a paste of Onions, green chillies and garlic and ginger. Keep aside
Make a paste of tomatoes with chili pow, amchur pw and turmeric pw.
Heat a kadai with Oil. Add Bay leaves, cumin and Asafetida. Then add Onion paste and fry well.
Then add Tomato paste and cook in sim for 5 mins. Adjust the salt.
Once the oil starts coming out, add the boiled potatoes. Stir well and sim for 15 mins till the gravy thickens.
Garnish with Coriander leaves and serve.
This was so typically different from other gravies that we prepare. My daughter was so taken in by this that she asked for it again, even though it was quite spicy. Adjust the spiciness based on your preference.
kamala says
hi srivalli
The gravy looks very yummy and
mouth watering and tempting too!!!
kamala
Erin says
Looks fantastic. It is amazing how recipes differ for the same dish. I guess that's the fun part about cooking, the ability to make it your own!
bindiya says
Looks good, i love these too!
Rina says
Thanks for this yummy potatoe dish Srivalli. Never tried making Dum Aloo. Sure to try this festive season. Thx for sharing
Mandira says
this looks delicious and the gravy... just the right color... I'll bring parathas... can I come over?
Namratha says
I totally love Aloo Dum, I make the same with Methi..which makes it Aloo Methi Dum 🙂 I couldn't find baby potatoes when I was craving for Aloo Dum, so made do with big potatoes cubed! Yours looks yum too!
remya says
dum aloo looks superb...lovely rich color...
sunita says
Sri, that looks delicious...and after all, what's in a name anyway...the taste is all that matters 🙂
Vegeyum @ A Life (Time) of Cooking says
Yum. I like the whole potatoes in your dish. We can get fabulous baby potatoes here,they would be very good in this.
TheCooker says
Great colour!
Very tempting.
bee says
looks lovely why aren't chopped potatoes used for this?
Suganya says
Sri, I had the same confusion when I first learnt N.Indian cuisine. Years later, the recipe is what suits yr palette.
Happy cook says
Looke delicious, i wanted to grab and eat the sauce with a chapathi, but alas there were no chapati 🙂
Kamini says
Who doesn't love potatoes? This one looks great, no matter what it's called.
Dhanggit says
that looks really yummy!! my husband and i love curries and spicy stuffs but his family doesnt..how do you think i can convince them to try?? i see that even for your kid spicy stuff works... just wondrin..thanks
Meeta says
Dum Aloo is one of my faves - yours looks so incredibly good with that thick gravy!
Srivalli says
sunita, thank you...yeah ultimately if we enjoy the food..its great.
kamala, thank you so much...
Erin, thanks for dropping by..glad you like it.
bindiya, thank you...they are always great!
Rina, glad you will try..do let me know how it turns out
Mandira, sure you are most welcome. ..will be making it next week so be ready!..:D
bee, thank you..I guess there is no harm..but I have no solid reason as to why this recipe calls for only baby potatoes!
Namratha, wow..have this on hand, will try and let you know..
remya, thank you..I was pleased with the colour myself..only that it didn't really capture the real orange more..
Suganya, glad I have company!..yeah agree on that
Happy cook, surely next time will prepare that also!
Vegeyum, great...do try and let me know..Its really a great dish
TheCooker, thanks..
Kamini, thanks..missed you in my previous posts...hope everything is ok
Dhanggit, welcome to my blog...yeah thats a problem ..but you can try with less spice and see how they like...spice is acquired taste..so give them some time...
Asha says
I am planning to make my version for RCI this month, will see. Your's looks yum, great color!:))
Cynthia says
Dum aloo? hey 🙂
Srivalli says
Asha, great looking fwd to your recipe
Meeta, glad to know...thank you!
Cynthia, haha..yeah