Batate Song
A classic Goan potato curry featuring tender potatoes simmered in a vibrant, tangy, and spicy gravy made with tamarind and red chilies. A simple yet flavorful dish that comes together quickly and pairs perfectly with steamed rice or pao.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Potatoes and Tamarind Pulp
- b.Wash the potatoes thoroughly. Boil them in a pot of water until they are fork-tender, which takes about 15-20 minutes. Drain, let them cool slightly, then peel and cut into 1-inch cubes. Set aside.
- c.While the potatoes are boiling, soak the tamarind ball in 1/2 cup of warm water for about 15 minutes. Squeeze the tamarind well to extract all the pulp, then strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve. Discard the solids and keep the tamarind water.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the Tempering (Tadka)
- b.Heat the oil in a wide pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds. Wait for them to splutter and pop, which should take about 30 seconds.
- d.Immediately add the asafoetida, followed by the finely chopped onions.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté the Aromatics
- b.Sauté the onions, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and turn a light golden brown. This should take about 6-8 minutes.
- c.Add the slit green chilies (if using), turmeric powder, and Kashmiri red chili powder. Stir continuously for about 1 minute until the spices are fragrant and the raw smell disappears.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Simmer the Curry
- b.Gently add the boiled potato cubes to the pan. Carefully toss them with the onion-spice mixture to coat them evenly without breaking them.
- c.Pour in the prepared tamarind water, the remaining 1/2 cup of water, and salt. Stir gently to combine.
- d.Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let the curry simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the potatoes to absorb the tangy and spicy flavors of the gravy.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Check for seasoning and add more salt if needed.
- c.Garnish generously with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- d.Let the Batate Song rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors to meld together. Serve hot with steamed rice, Goan pao, or chapatis.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For best results, use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, as they hold their shape well and don't become mushy.
- 2If you're short on time, you can use 1.5 tablespoons of store-bought tamarind paste instead of soaking whole tamarind.
- 3To naturally thicken the gravy, gently mash 2-3 potato cubes with the back of a spoon against the side of the pan.
- 4For a hint of sweetness to balance the tang, add a small piece (about 1/2 teaspoon) of grated jaggery along with the tamarind water.
- 5Ensure the mustard seeds have fully spluttered before adding onions; this is crucial for releasing their flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamier Version
For a richer, milder curry, add 1/4 cup of thick coconut milk during the last 2 minutes of simmering. Do not boil after adding coconut milk.
Add ProteinAdd Protein
Make it a more complete meal by adding 1 cup of boiled chickpeas or black-eyed peas along with the potatoes.
Sweet Potato TwistSweet Potato Twist
Substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile with a natural sweetness that complements the tangy tamarind.
No Onion VersionNo Onion Version
For a version suitable for fasting (or if you don't have onions), simply skip the onions. The dish will still be flavorful due to the other spices.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Energy Boosting
Potatoes are a great source of complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy to the body, making this a fulfilling meal.
Aids Digestion
The inclusion of spices like asafoetida (hing) and mustard seeds is traditional in Indian cooking to help prevent bloating and improve digestion.
Rich in Antioxidants
Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. Tamarind is also a good source of antioxidants that help fight free radicals.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Batate Song (approximately 1 cup) contains around 230-280 calories, primarily from the potatoes and oil. The exact count can vary based on the size of the potatoes and the amount of oil used.