Dum Aloo Recipe

Dum Aloo is a classic Indian curry made with baby potatoes simmered in a rich, creamy, and flavorful tomato-based gravy. This dish is a favorite in Indian households and pairs wonderfully with naan, roti, or steamed rice. Follow this step-by-step recipe to make restaurant-style Dum Aloo at home.

Ingredients

For the Potatoes:

• 12-15 baby potatoes – boiled, peeled, and pricked with a fork
• 2 tablespoons oil – for shallow frying

For the Gravy:

• 2 medium onions – finely chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes – pureed
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/4 cup yogurt (curd) – whisked

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• Salt – to taste

For Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh cream (optional)
• Fresh coriander leaves – chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan.
2. Shallow fry the boiled baby potatoes until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Tomatoes

1. In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed.
2. Add cumin seeds and bay leaf, letting them splutter.
3. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
4. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
5. Add the tomato puree and cook until the oil starts to separate.

Step 3: Add Spices

1. Lower the heat and add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for another minute.
2. Add the whisked yogurt gradually, stirring continuously to prevent curdling.

Step 4: Simmer the Gravy with Potatoes

1. Add 1 cup of water to adjust the consistency of the gravy.
2. Bring the gravy to a boil, then add the fried baby potatoes.
3. Cover the pan and cook on low heat for 8-10 minutes, allowing the potatoes to absorb the flavors.

Step 5: Finish with Garnish

1. Sprinkle garam masala and crushed kasuri methi over the gravy. Mix gently.
2. Optional: Stir in fresh cream for a richer flavor.
3. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Dum Aloo hot with naan, butter roti, jeera rice, or plain steamed rice.

Tips for Perfect Dum Aloo

1. Baby Potatoes: Use baby potatoes for an authentic taste, but regular potatoes cut into chunks can also work.
2. Yogurt Consistency: Make sure to whisk the yogurt well and add it slowly to avoid curdling.
3. Kasuri Methi: This ingredient adds a unique aroma and taste to the dish, so don’t skip it.