Alu Potol Recipe – A Traditional Bengali Delight

Introduction of Alu Potol Recipe

Alu Potol recipe, or Aloo Parval in Hindi, is a famous Bengali potato and gourd (potol) recipe made with spices. This easy and tasty recipe is also a favourite vegetable in all households, usually served with rice or roti. If you are a beginner cook or a master chef of Bengali cuisine, this recipe guide will help you make a delicious and mouth-watering Alu Potol recipe and Chole ki Sabji recipe at home.

Alu Potol Recipe is a simple dish but fun to eat as it brings out the earthy flavour of potatoes and parval. It is usually made in Bengali households and served with steamed rice and dal. It can be eaten dry or with a light gravy, so it is a perfect choice for lunch and dinner. In this article, we are going to tell you the step-by-step method to make it.

Ingredients Required for Alo Potol Recipe

To make a delicious Alu Potol Recipe dish, you will need

Choosing the Right Potol

To enjoy the best taste, choose fresh, green potols that are firm and free from bruises. Choose potatoes that are black-spotted or soft because they will be uneatable when they are cooked.

Preparing the Vegetables

• Wash the potatoes well and scrape off a thin layer of the peel using a knife or peeler.
• Halve the potatoes or cut them in halves depending on their sizes.
• Peel the potatoes and chop them into medium pieces.
• Soak them in water so that they will not discolour.

Cooking Methods

Aloo Potol can be cooked in different ways.

• Frying enhances the flavour and texture of the potol.
• Boiling—used in gravy-based dishes.
• Slow cooking helps the flavours to absorb better.

Traditional Bengali Alu Potol Recipe

Step-by-step instructions

1. Fry the Potol and Potatoes

• Heat mustard oil in a pan till it starts to smoke slightly.
• Add the potol and fry till golden brown. Remove and keep aside.
• Fry the potatoes in the same pan till they turn golden. Then remove and keep aside.

2. Prepare the Masala

• Add the five phoron or spices, like cumin, nigella, fenugreek, fennel, and mustard seeds, in the same oil and let them crackle.
• Then add chopped tomatoes (if using) and cook till they become soft.
• Add turmeric, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chilli powder, and salt as per taste. Mix well.

3. Cook the Vegetables

Add the fried potatoes and potol to the masala and mix well.

Add some water, cover the pan, and cook on low flame till the potatoes become soft.

Add garam masala and green chillies before turning off the flame.

4. Garnishing and Serving

Garnish with fresh flavourer leaves and serve hot with rice or roti.

What to Serve with Alu Potol Recipe

• Steamed rice and dal
• Roti or paratha
• A side of Bengali-style dal or fish curry

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in the freezer in a covered, airtight container.
• Warm up gradually with a splash of water to keep your mouth moist.

Conclusion

Aloo Potol Recipe is a simple and delicious Bengali dish that combines the flavours of potatoes and gourd with aromatic spices. Whether you prefer to eat it dry or with gravy, this dish tastes great with rice or roti. Easy to make and nutritious, the Aloo Potol recipe is a must-try for all those who love traditional Bengali cuisine.