POTATO MEZHUKU / STIR FRY

This and parippu curry are my go-to side dishes for rice when I have unexpected guests for lunch and dinner. It can be made in  a jiffy.

INGREDIENTS

1. 4 to 5 medium sized potatoes.(close to 550 gms)
2.  onion, finely chopped(125 gms.)
3. 4 to 5 garlic cloves chopped finely
4. 2 Tbsp oil
5. 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
6. 1 tsp chili flakes or chili powder
7. 1 sprig curry leaves
8. water for boiling the potatoes
9. salt to taste(1 tsp)

METHOD

• Wash and peel the potatoes .
  
  
  
  

• I use  a vidalia chopper for chopping the potatoes. OR hand chop it.
  
  
  
  
  

• Put the potatoes into a saucepan. Add water and bring to a boil.

• Drain the potatoes in a colander and keep aside.
• Meanwhile chop the onions and garlic.
  

• Heat is  a non-sticky pan on medium high heat. When warm , pour 2 tbsp. oil .When the oil is hot , add the chopped onions and garlic.
  

• Sauté till the raw smell of the onion and garlic goes off. Then put the turmeric and chili flakes . Give it a stir and put in the potatoes . Stir the potatoes. Cover the pan with a lid.
  
  
  
  

• Cover and cook on medium flame without stirring. The bottom part of the potato should be slightly roasted brown . Open stir,cover and keep for 2 minutes.Continue doing this in 2-minute pulses , until the potatoes are brown roasted , but still firm.
• When done , add salt, stir and add in the  curry leaves and give it a quick stir. The potatoes should be still firm when doing so,
  

• Transfer to a bowl or keep it in the pan until ready to serve. If you are keeping it in the pan , do remember that the potatoes will be still cooking in the heat , so turn off the stove earlier . Don't cover the pan with the lid fully. Leave a little gap for the steam to escape or the potatoes will become mushy. After 30 minutes , open and check for salt.
  

• Serve with rice.
• It is good with matta as well as the sona masoori rice. This is the dish I make when I have non-keralite guests.
  
  

NOTES

• I use a Vidalia chopper for chopping the potatoes. My friend suggested this and chopping vegetable has been a freeze ever since.
  
  
  
  

NOTES

• Why boil the potatoes need to be boiled. Can't they be stir fried right away? Yes I did that and they were dry. Potatoes need a little water(moisture) to cook and boil it first makes it easier than adding water while sautéing which makes it mushy.