Wednesday, 12 October 2016

The humble spud – the spiced alternative

There are those of use who like spice so, again using the leftovers principle, but with extra flavour, here's a goodie. You don't have to go to the bother of making your own Panch phoran – it's available at the larger supermarkets as is mango powder too.

Spiced Sautéed Spuds

Serves 4

600g waxy potatoes, parboiled, peeled and
sliced into approximate 1cm rounds

2-3 tbsp vegetable oil

Panch phoran – 2 tsp
*see below

¾ tsp turmeric
¼ - ½ tsp red chilli powder

Sprinkle of mango powder

Heat the oil in a large frying pan, add the panch phoran, it should sizzle immediately. Cook for 20/30 seconds, stirring. Add the potatoes, toss well, ensuring they are all covered with the spices. Turn the heat down, cover with a lid and cook for 5 minutes, turn the potatoes and repeat.

Increase the heat, turn the potatoes again so that they are lightly golden brown – 3 minutes each side. For a tangy finish sprinkle with a pinch of mango powder, toss again and serve.

Panch phoran is a blend of spices and seeds. It's used in Bangladesh, Eastern India and Southern Nepal. Literally it means “five spices”. You can make up your own blend easily.

½ tsp each of the following seeds
cumin
mustard
fennel
nigella

¼ tsp fenugreek

If you are a spice lover then it will probably be worthwhile. I'd remind you that if you are going to mix your own blend buy small amounts of each spice – they will deteriorate and therefore it's not economical to buy in bulk – unless of course you're going to make up the blend and distribute it to all your spice loving family and friends! If you have difficulty in sourcing any of the seeds they are available at Daily Bread Co-operative – www.dailybread.co.uk.

Not so boring!


No comments:

Post a Comment