Indian Potatoes and Peas

Potatoes are a staple in Indian cuisines, but potatoes are not native to India. They are native to South America. So how did they become so popular in India and Indian foods? They were first brought to the western coast of India (such as the Malabar coast) in the early 17th century by Portuguese explorers. 

The Indan diet has always consisted on tubers, but before potatoes were introduced, those tubers were mainly yams (suran), colocasia (arbi), sweet potato, and elephant foot yam. These were filling, versatile, and grew widely across the country. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the British East India Company and the British Raj actively promoted the widespread cultivation of potatoes across India. Driven by economic and colonial motives, the British encouraged Indian peasants to grow the crop as a low-cost, calorie-dense staple that could prevent widespread grain shortages and feed laborers on civil engineering projects.

In North India, potatoes are cooked in in rich tomato and yogurt-based curries (e.g., Dum Aloo) and the beloved side dish Aloo Gobi (potatoes and cauliflower). In Mumbai, they are cooked with dry curries. Any Indian curry made with potatoes is known as “Aloo curry”. Potatoes, sautéed onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, spices and herbs come together to make this delicious curry that is absolutely perfect for weeknight dinner.

Curried Potatoes and Peas

I made my own version of dried curried potatoes and peas the other night, using leftover baked potatoes. Use and recreate with leftovers as much as you can. They taste great, are great timesavers, and are economically friendly too.

2 potatoes, peeled and cubed

3 TBSP oil, if using olive oil, add butter as well to increase the smoke point and allow it to get hotter wihout burning

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp corniander

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, or to taste

salt to taste

2/3 cup frozen peas

1 tsp lemon juice

chopped cilantro

Mix all the spices together and set aside. Since my potatoes were already cooked, I added the spices to them and cooked them together.

Get a large skillet very hot. Add the oil/butter and the potatoes. Cook for about 1 minute. Then add the spices, reduce the heat to a medium high heat and continue to cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. If you start with cooked potatoes, they will already be tender. But you do want the edges of the potatoes to brown and get a little crispy. Make sure to stir frequently.

Add the peas and continue to cook for an additional 5 or so minutes, stirring frequently.

When everything is done, add the lemon juice and mix in thoroughly, then top with the chopped cilantro and serve.

These potatoes are so yummy. If you like cauliflower, you can add that too. We love cauliflower, I just didn’t have any at the time.

Have a great day and make everyday great. Life is short. Live life to the fullest. Enjoy. ‘Til next time.