How to make Potato (Urulaikizhangu) Upperi

Potato Mezhukkuvaratti or Upperi is a side dish used along with the rice at lunch time in Kerala and Tamilnadu states. Potato recipes are an unavoidable dish in the northern states of India.

Ingredients for Urulaikizhangu Upperi

Potatoes-4-5 medium sized
Garlic-5-6 cloves
Shallots/Sambar onions -8-10
Dry red chillies - 3-4
Chilli powder-1 1/2 - 2 tsp depending on your spice tolerance
Turmeric powder- a pinch
Water*-1/4 cup
Mustard seeds- 1/2 tsp
Salt- to taste
Curry leaves- 1 sprig
Oil-5-6 tbsp (coconut oil increases the taste and likes by most Keralites)

Preparation Method:

Step 1: Wash,peel and cut the potato into bite sized cubes and leave it in water so that it does not discolour.

Step 2: Grind garlic,shallots & dry red chillies to a paste using a mixie or a mortar & pestle ( preferably the granite one)

Step 3: Heat oil, splutter the mustard seeds.Saute the ground ingredients till a lovely aroma comes.

Lower the flame and the powders and mix well.Add the potatoes ( we usually just take them directly out of the water , drip off the excess water and add it to the masala) and mix well.

Close the pan with a lid and let it on low flame and cook for 5-8 mins stirring slighlty in between ( If you need to drain the potatoes completely and add them, sprinkle 1/4 cup of water over them and let them cook)

Once it is cooked, remove the lid and fry it slightly for 2-3 mins adding oil if needed.Garnish with curry leaves and serve hot with plain rice.