Aloo Podimas (South Indian Potato Stir-Fry)

Ingredients

• Onion - 3 whole
• Potato - 4 whole
• Ginger - 1 piece
• Green chili - 2 whole
• Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
• Urad dal - 1/4 tsp
• Curry leaves - 8 whole
• Dried red chilies - 2 whole
• Mustard seeds - 1/4 tsp
• Oil - 2 tbsp
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. 1Place the potatoes in a saucepan with the turmeric and enough water to cover them, add salt, bring to a boil, and cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced.
2. 2Drain the potatoes, let them cool slightly, then peel and roughly mash them with a fork or masher so there are still some small chunks for texture.
3. 3Heat the oil in a wide skillet over medium heat, add the mustard seeds and let them pop, then add the urad dal, curry leaves and dried red chilies and fry briefly until the dal turns light golden and fragrant.
4. 4Add the chopped onions, green chilies and grated or finely chopped ginger to the pan and sauté until the onions are golden brown and sweet, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks.
5. 5Add the mashed potatoes to the spiced onion mixture, fold everything together gently, and cook until the mixture is heated through and fairly dry; adjust salt to taste.
6. 6Serve warm with chapati or as a simple side alongside rice and sambar for a comforting meal.