Bateta Nu Shaak (Potato Curry)

Embark on a delightful culinary journey with the traditional Gujarati Bateta Nu Shak, a flavoursome yet straightforward potato curry. This comforting dish, known for its humble ingredients and robust flavours, is a staple in Gujarati households. Perfectly spiced with mustard seeds, turmeric, and red chilli powder, each bite of Bateta Nu Shak offers a taste of home. Whether pairing it with roti puri or having it as a side with your main meal, this recipe will warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds.

• Ingredients

  4 medium Bateta (Potatoes), parboiled and diced (skin optional)

  2 TBSP neutral cooking oil

  1/2 tsp Rai (Mustard seeds)

  10 Limbro (Curry Leaves)

  3/4 tsp Hardaar (Turmeric Powder)

  1 tsp Laal Mirchu (Red Chili Powder) (adjust to taste)

  1 tsp Nimuk (Salt)

  1/2 cup fresh Coriander (Dhana), finely chopped

• Instructions

  Prepare the Potatoes. Begin by parboiling 4 medium-sized potatoes until they are just tender. After cooling, dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Keeping the skin on is optional, based on your preference.

  Tempering (Vaghar). In a non-non-stick pot, heat 2 tablespoons of neutral cooking oil over a medium flame.

  Add 1/2 teaspoon of Rai (mustard seeds). Wait for them to pop to release their flavours.

  Introduce 10 Limbro (curry leaves) into the oil, allowing them to sizzle and impart their distinct aroma.

  Cooking with Spices. Gently incorporate the diced potatoes into the pot, ensuring they are evenly coated with the tempering.

  Season the mixture with 3/4 teaspoon Hardaar (turmeric powder), 1 teaspoon Laal Mirchu (red chilli powder), and 1 teaspoon Nimuk (salt). Stir thoroughly for an even distribution of spices.

  Simmer to Perfection. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat. If it appears dry, add a splash of water to aid cooking and prevent sticking.

  Cover the pot and cook for 5-10 minutes, allowing the potatoes to absorb the flavours thoroughly.

  Garnish. Just before serving, garnish the Bateta Nu Shak with a generous helping of freshly chopped Dhana (coriander).

  Serving Suggestions. Serve the aromatic and delightful Bateta Nu Shak hot. It pairs excellently with roti or puri and can be a flavorful side dish with a larger meal.