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 , add 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, stir well and add curry leaves. Give it a stir and put in the potatoes . Stir the potatoes, add salt. Stir well. At this point you can turn off the stove. Cover with a lid. Let the potatoes cook in the heat retained. 
  
  
  
  

• After about 10 minutes, open, the bottom part of the potato should be slightly roasted brown, stir and turn on the stove if the potatoes are not cooked. The potatoes should be roasted at the bottom, but still firm.

                                            

• 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.