Spicy Baby Potato Recipe – Sesame Oil & Sambar Powder Flavors

Last Updated on 1 month by Neha Deshmukh

Spicy Baby Potato Recipe – Sesame Oil & Sambar Powder Flavors

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a side dish that packs a flavorful punch. This spicy baby potato recipe is exactly that. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with South Indian flavors – a little bit of heat, a little bit of tang, and a whole lot of deliciousness. I first made this when I was craving something comforting and different, and it’s been a family favorite ever since!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average potato dish. The combination of sesame oil, sambar powder, and a hint of asafoetida creates a truly unique and addictive flavor. It’s perfect as a side with rice and dal, or even as a tasty snack on its own. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this spicy baby potato magic happen:

• 250 grams baby potatoes
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 0.5 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 0.25 cup pearl onions
• 6-7 curry leaves
• 1 pinch asafoetida (hing)
• 0.25 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 0.25-0.5 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference!)
• 1 teaspoon sambar powder
• 2 tablespoons coriander leaves, chopped
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Sesame Oil: Regional Variations & Health Benefits

Sesame oil is key here. It adds a nutty aroma and flavor that’s just divine. You can find both light and dark sesame oil. I prefer dark sesame oil for this recipe – it has a more intense flavor. Plus, sesame oil is packed with healthy fats!

Baby Potatoes: Choosing the Right Variety

Baby potatoes are perfect because they cook quickly and have a lovely creamy texture. Red potatoes, Yukon golds, or even fingerling potatoes work beautifully. Just make sure they’re all roughly the same size for even cooking.

Sambar Powder: A South Indian Flavor Profile

Sambar powder is a blend of spices that forms the base of the popular South Indian lentil stew, sambar. It’s a little tangy, a little spicy, and totally addictive. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores, or even online.

Asafoetida (Hing): Uses & Substitutes

Asafoetida, or hing, has a pungent aroma in its raw form, but it mellows out beautifully when cooked. It adds a savory, umami flavor that’s hard to describe! If you can’t find it, a tiny pinch of garlic powder can be used as a substitute, but it won’t be quite the same.

Curry Leaves: Fresh vs. Dried

Fresh curry leaves are always best. They have a bright, citrusy aroma that dried leaves just can’t match. If you can’t find fresh, you can use dried, but use about half the amount.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, give your baby potatoes a good wash. Steam or boil them until they’re tender – about 10-15 minutes. You want them easily pierced with a fork. Once cool enough to handle, gently peel them.
2. Now, heat the sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Listen for them to start crackling – that’s when you know they’re ready!
3. Add the pearl onions and curry leaves to the pan. Sauté until the onions soften and turn translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Don’t forget to add that pinch of asafoetida!
4. Toss in the cooked potatoes and mix well, ensuring they’re coated in the oil and spices.
5. Sprinkle the turmeric powder, red chili powder, sambar powder, and salt over the potatoes. Mix everything together really well, so the potatoes are evenly coated.
6. Lower the heat to low and sauté for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
7. Finally, garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing the potatoes. Work in batches if necessary to ensure they get nicely browned.
• Taste as you go! Adjust the amount of red chili powder and sambar powder to your liking.
• For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ideas to spice things up:

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is already vegan! Just double-check your sambar powder doesn’t contain any hidden animal products.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Naturally gluten-free!
• Spice Level Adjustment: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with just ¼ teaspoon of red chili powder. For a real kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Festival Adaptation (e.g., Onam, Pongal): My aunt always makes a larger batch of this for Onam – it’s a wonderful addition to the sadya (feast)!

Serving Suggestions

These spicy baby potatoes are amazing with:

• Rice and dal
• Indian breads like roti or naan
• Yogurt raita (to cool things down!)
• As a side dish for any Indian curry

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave. They might lose a little of their crispness, but they’ll still be delicious!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Baby potatoes are ideal, but red potatoes, Yukon golds, or fingerling potatoes are also great options.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can boil and peel the potatoes ahead of time. Store them in the fridge and then proceed with the recipe when you’re ready.

What is asafoetida and where can I find it?

Asafoetida (hing) is a pungent spice used in Indian cooking. You can find it at Indian grocery stores or online.

Can I adjust the sambar powder to my taste?

Absolutely! Start with 1 teaspoon and add more to your liking.

What is the best way to store leftover spicy potatoes?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce the amount of red chili powder or omit it altogether. You can also serve it with a side of yogurt raita to cool things down.

Enjoy! I hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!