Roasted Baby Potatoes- Indian Spiced Recipe with Curry Leaves

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Roasted Baby Potatoes – Indian Spiced Recipe with Curry Leaves

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for easy, flavorful side dishes. And let me tell you, these Indian-spiced roasted baby potatoes are a total game-changer. They’re crispy, fragrant, and packed with warming spices – seriously addictive! I first made these when I was craving something comforting and flavorful, and they’ve been a regular on my table ever since.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t just any roasted potatoes. We’re taking humble baby potatoes and transforming them into a vibrant Indian delight. They’re incredibly easy to make, ready in under 40 minutes, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. Plus, the aroma while they’re roasting? Divine!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this magic:

• 1 lb baby potato medley (about 450g)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (45ml)
• 0.5 teaspoon cumin powder (2.5ml)
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder (5ml)
• 0.5 teaspoon red chili powder (2.5ml)
• 0.25 teaspoon garam masala (1.25ml)
• 0.25 teaspoon turmeric powder (1.25ml)
• 0.5 teaspoon salt (2.5ml)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 sprig curry leaves (about 10-12 leaves)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients to make sure you get the best results!

Baby Potato Varieties

I love using a medley of baby potatoes – red, yellow, and purple – for a beautiful presentation. But honestly, any small potato will work! Just make sure they’re all roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

Spice Blend Breakdown: Cumin, Coriander, and Garam Masala

These spices are the heart of Indian cooking. Cumin and coriander provide a warm, earthy base, while garam masala adds a complex, fragrant sweetness. Don’t be shy with them! You can adjust the amounts to your liking, but this blend is perfect.

The Significance of Curry Leaves in Indian Cuisine

Curry leaves are a staple in South Indian cooking, and they bring a unique citrusy, slightly bitter flavor that’s just incredible. They’re often tempered in oil to release their aroma, and that’s exactly what we’re doing here. If you can find fresh curry leaves, definitely use them – they make all the difference!

Olive Oil vs. Traditional Indian Oils

I’ve used olive oil here for accessibility, but traditionally, Indian cooking uses oils like mustard oil or vegetable oil. Mustard oil will give a more authentic, pungent flavor, but it’s a bit of an acquired taste. Feel free to experiment!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Trust me, you’ll thank me later!
2. Now, in a nice big mixing bowl, add your halved baby potatoes. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle in the cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, and salt.
3. Add the minced garlic and those beautiful curry leaves.
4. Time to get your hands dirty! Toss everything together really well, making sure every single potato is coated in that gorgeous spice blend.
5. Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd them – this helps them get nice and crispy.
6. Roast for about 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy around the edges. Give them a little shake halfway through to ensure even cooking.
7. Serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice. That zesty finish really brightens everything up!

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip the curry leaves! They really elevate the flavor.
• For extra crispy potatoes, parboil them for 5-7 minutes before roasting.
• Make sure your oven is properly preheated for even cooking.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is naturally vegan! Just double-check your garam masala blend to ensure it doesn’t contain any hidden animal products.

Gluten-Free Confirmation

Yep, these are naturally gluten-free too! Perfect for everyone to enjoy.

Spice Level Adjustment (Mild, Medium, Hot)

• Mild: Reduce the red chili powder to ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) or omit it altogether.
• Medium: Stick with the ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) of red chili powder.
• Hot: Add an extra ¼ – ½ teaspoon (1.25-2.5ml) of red chili powder, or a pinch of cayenne pepper. My friend, Priya, loves to add a finely chopped green chili for an extra kick!

Festival Adaptation: Navratri/Vrat Friendly Option (using permitted ingredients)

During Navratri or Vrat fasting, you can adapt this recipe by omitting the garlic and onion (if you follow a strict fast). Use rock salt (sendha namak) instead of regular salt.

Serving Suggestions

These potatoes are incredibly versatile!

Indian Bread Pairings (Roti, Naan, Paratha)

They’re amazing with warm, fluffy roti, naan, or paratha. Perfect for soaking up all those delicious spices.

Yogurt Dip Accompaniments (Raita)

A cooling raita (yogurt dip) is the perfect accompaniment. My family loves a simple cucumber raita with these potatoes.

As a Side for Indian Thalis

They make a fantastic addition to any Indian thali (platter) alongside dal, vegetables, and rice.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? (If there are any!) Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! While baby potatoes are ideal, you can use small red potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, or even diced russet potatoes.

How can I adjust the spice level to my preference?

See the “Spice Level Adjustment” section above for tips on making it milder or hotter.

What are curry leaves and where can I find them?

Curry leaves are small, aromatic leaves used extensively in South Indian cooking. You can find them at Indian grocery stores or online.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the potatoes and spice blend ahead of time, but I recommend roasting them just before serving for the best texture.

Is it possible to air fry these potatoes instead of roasting?

Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through.