Potato Podimas

This is a classic that my mom prepared for us as children. We loved the podimas in so many different roopams - forms; tucked into toasted sandwiches, sealed in a filo pastry, or just as an accompaniment to thayir sadham - yogurt rice. This recipe is a low fat, yet tasty method of preparing potatoes. I liken this to South Indian Mashed potatoes. Ok alright I admit it, potatoes are my favorite food group! This recipe is sufficient for 2 people with a little left over to make your sandwich switch up the next day.

Potato Podimas
2 large potatoes, 1 large green chili, 1 tbsp minced ginger, a few curry leaves, 1 tsp of mustard seeds, 1 tsp channa daal, a pinch of asafetida, 1 tsp of turmeric, 1 tsp of red chili powder (optional), chopped cilantro for garnish, 1/2 lime or lemon, salt.

1. Boil the potatoes and cut them into chunks.
2. Splutter the mustard seeds in 2 tbsp oil, add the channa daal, curry leaves, asafetida.
3. Add the green chili and ginger, and fry.
4. Add the turmeric, chili powder (optional), and potatoes. Squeeze the lime/lemon into this.
5. Add salt.
6. Mash roughly with a potato masher. Garnish with chopped cilantro.


Verdict: Thumbs up from Shankar, and we did the switchup today for an after work snack.