Experience a basic Indian sidedish, vegan, gluten-free and nightshade-free with mildly spiced humble potatoes.
Jeera aloo is one of those minimal ingredient recipes that still gets the whole family around without complaining. With just basic white potatoes spiced with whole cumin seeds, the dish is usually one that most Indian mums do when they really can’t be bothered. So here is that minimally spiced potato salad to pair with rotis or lemon rice.
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What potatoes do I use for jeera aloo?
The potatoes you choose here are the ones that need to hold shape when cooked as you don’t want them mashed. So, I tend to go for a waxy potato for this recipe.
Other ingredients for this recipe
This recipe is one with minimal ingredients, yet you need some to jazz up that boring ( good old ) potatoes. In the spices, we use whole cumin seeds and the tangy dry mango powder, aamchur. With just salt and oil the recipe comes together perfectly. If you prefer you can use minced garlic, ginger or green chillies in this recipe. I don’t as I love to keep them simple.
Jeera aloo for train journey
My best memory of the jeera aloo is during train travels. The slow-roasted cumin potatoes along with pooris from the best keeping recipe for train journeys especially in the hot Indian summers. The jeera aloo entered our life through a pack that my aunt had put together for one of our train travels from her place to visit another. The fussy kid that I was, actually liked this idea. From then, I remember this most of the time I take a train with the bhindi pulao amma makes.
Fast-forwarding it to picnics.
If it lasts for the long train journeys in India, these cumin potatoes are perfect to swap out the potato salad with for any picnic. Perfect when made ahead and chilled for summer or packed in a warm pack for winter, the jeera aloo never ceases to please.
Take it to camping grounds
There are two ways of making this jeera aloo. Both these methods are described in the recipe card. The one that is perfect for the camping ground is just the one-skillet method instead of the boiled potato way. It is the most satisfying warm salad that you can get together. Pair this jeera aloo with some bread, grilled radicchio and spiced beans. The meal is easy and sumptuous and leaves plenty of time for some toasted smores.
Without making you wait any more here is the detailed step by step recipe card.
Jeera aloo
Equipment
- Cutting board
- frying pan
- Knife
- deep pot
Ingredients
- 4 medium potato
For the spices and masala
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/4 tsp turmeri powder
- 1/2 tsp aamchur or use 2-3 tsp lemon juice
- salt to taste
To garnish
- 1 tsp coriander leaves chopped ( optional)
Instructions
- Wash and boil the potatoes in excess water till they are fork tender.
- Set it aside to cool completely.
- Once cooled dice them.
- Set the frying pan on medium heat and add the oil and cumin seeds.
- Once the cumin seeds sizzle, add the diced potatoes, turmeric powder and sprinkle the salt.
- Mix well and reduce the heat.
- Let this slow roast for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle the aamchur powder ( or lemon juice) and roast further.
- Once the potatoes are aromatic, roasted. Remove from heat, sprinkle the coriander leaves.
- Serve these potatoes warm.
Collaboration
Classic recipes are what I choose as much as possible for The A_Z challenge with ingredients in Hindi names. Jeera aloo is that classic Indian recipe you cannot be without trying if you are planning to make an Indian meal. Since it is cumin or jeera that spices these potatoes, this is my choice for the ingredients starting with J. Let us know how you like it in the comments. If you happen to make it, do rate our recipe.
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Jeera aalo is a family favourite dish for Indian households. I make it with puris. I would like to try your recipe too.
Simple comfort dish to serve with rotis or dal chawal. Aloo is something that everyone loves.
Your jeera aloo post reminds me of our train journeys. It was a must with puris and mango pickle. A very quick and easy to make dish that is loved by all.
I love potatoes. And this jeera aloo looks superbly delicious. I would also love to eat it with paratha or poori.
Jeera aloo is so simple and flavourful. Love this anytime . Beautifully presented.
Love the simple spicing that adds just enough yummy flavor to make these a great, versatile side.
Oh that looks delicious. I am a huge fan of a cumin. And who doesn’t like the potatoes, right? And the story about a train ride was just heartwarming. I can’t wait to give this recipe a try!
This jeera aloo looks amazingly delicious. Thanks for the recipe.
Probably one of the best potato dishes I have ever made. The combination of the spices really makes this a special dish – just delicious!
These Cumin potatoes look and sound fabulous! I am putting this recipe on my to-make list! I cannot wait to try it this week,