Potato Fry
Crispy, golden-brown potato cubes tossed with simple South Indian spices. A perfect and quick side dish that pairs wonderfully with rice, sambar, or rasam, ready in just 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Potatoes
- b.Peel the potatoes and chop them into uniform 1/2-inch cubes.
- c.Place the cubes in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for 10-15 minutes. This removes excess starch and helps them get crispy.
- d.Drain the potatoes completely using a colander and pat them thoroughly dry with a kitchen towel. This step is crucial to prevent splattering and to ensure they fry well.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Temper the Spices
- b.Heat oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium-high heat.
- c.Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and wait for them to splutter, which should take about 30 seconds.
- d.Add the urad dal and fry for about 1 minute until it turns a light golden brown.
- e.Carefully add the curry leaves and hing, and sauté for another 30 seconds until the leaves are crisp and fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Potatoes
- b.Add the dried potato cubes to the pan. Sprinkle with turmeric powder and salt.
- c.Stir well to ensure all the potato pieces are evenly coated with the oil and spices.
- d.Spread the potatoes in a single layer. Cover the pan and cook on low-medium heat for 5-7 minutes, until they are about 50% cooked and slightly tender when pierced with a fork.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Fry Until Crispy
- b.Uncover the pan and increase the heat to medium.
- c.Continue to cook for another 10-12 minutes, stirring gently every 2-3 minutes.
- d.Allow the potatoes to form a golden-brown crust on the bottom before flipping. Avoid stirring too frequently as this will prevent them from becoming crispy.
- e.Cook until the potatoes are tender on the inside and crisp and golden on the outside.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Add Final Spices and Serve
- b.Once the potatoes are perfectly cooked, reduce the heat to low.
- c.Sprinkle the red chili powder over the potatoes and mix gently to coat them evenly.
- d.Cook for one more minute, being careful not to burn the chili powder.
- e.Turn off the heat, garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves, and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best crispy texture, use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold.
- 2Ensure the potatoes are completely dry before adding them to the hot oil to prevent them from steaming and to get a better crust.
- 3Do not overcrowd the pan. Cook in a single layer or in batches if necessary to ensure the potatoes fry evenly.
- 4Use a wide, heavy-bottomed pan like cast iron or a non-stick kadai for even heat distribution.
- 5Add salt while cooking to draw out moisture, which helps in making the potatoes crispier.
- 6For a different flavor profile, you can add a teaspoon of sambar powder or garam masala along with the red chili powder at the end.
Adapt it for your goals.
With Onions
Sauté one finely chopped onion after the tempering until golden brown, then proceed with adding the potatoes.
With GarlicWith Garlic
Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic along with the curry leaves for a pungent, aromatic flavor.
Spicy Chettinad StyleSpicy Chettinad Style
Add 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds (saunf) during tempering and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper along with the red chili powder.
With Bell PeppersWith Bell Peppers
Add 1/2 cup of cubed bell peppers (capsicum) during the last 5-7 minutes of frying for added color and flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Energy Boosting
Potatoes are rich in complex carbohydrates, providing a sustained release of energy to fuel your body and brain throughout the day.
Supports Heart Health
As a good source of potassium, potatoes help regulate blood pressure, balance fluids, and support proper heart function.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
The inclusion of turmeric adds curcumin, a powerful compound known for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which helps combat cellular damage.
Source of Vitamin C
Potatoes contain a significant amount of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that is crucial for immune function and skin health.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Potato Fry contains approximately 215-230 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the type of potato and the amount of oil absorbed during cooking.