Bombay Potatoes, also known as Bombay Aloo, are a spicy roasted masala potatoes typically served as a street food in Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay. It's a flavorful and aromatic preparation of potatoes cooked with a variety of Indian spices. These delectable potatoes are perfect for appetizer. party starters or side dish.
Who doesn't like bit of spicy, bit of salty addictive warm potatoes? And if they are super easy to make -even better right? Simply Da Best ! I'll unveil the secrets to recreating this authentic street food favorite right in your own kitchen. Let's get cooking.
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Similar to Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes and Air Fryer Crispy Fingerling Potatoes, this potato recipe is on the repeat on our dinner sides.
Originating from the bustling streets of Mumbai, Bombay Potatoes evoke the vibrant and dynamic street food culture of India. They offer a taste of authentic Indian cuisine that resonates with food enthusiasts around the world.
I often buy a bag of cute baby potatoes at the Trader Joe's and make this super delicious recipe. These small potatoes do not require peeling which is a major plus. Simply mix them up with oil and seasoning and within 15 minutes, you have lip smacking food ready.
Recipe Highlights
- This 15- minute recipe makes vegan roasted potatoes with complex flavors that are authentic Indian street food favorite
- Suitable for Gluten-free.
- Bombay Potatoes are relatively easy to prepare, need simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques.
- You can make them in Instant Pot or stove top.
- They are a perfect vegetable side dish, snack or appetizer. The potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Ingredients
Some of the spices listed are optional. Use whatever is easily available.
- Potatoes : You can use small baby potatoes. Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Red potatoes for their creamy texture; substitutes include firm potatoes like Russet or Idaho. Make bite sized pieces if you use bigger sized potatoes.
- Cumin Seeds: Adds earthy and nutty notes to the dish.
- Ginger-Garlic Paste: Enhances flavor and aroma.
- Dried Mint Leaves : Dried mint leaves add distinctive chat seasoning flavors to the potatoes.
- Amchur Powder ( dried mango powder ) : Adds nice tangy taste to the dish. You can substitute it with fresh lemon juice.
- Turmeric Powder: Adds golden color and earthy flavor.
- Red Chili Powder : For bold and spicy flavors. You can use smoked paprika, red pepper or cayenne pepper.
- Ground Coriander and cumin powder : Adds citrusy and floral notes and enhances the earthy flavor profile.
- Garam Masala: Provides warmth and complexity; curry powder can be used as a substitute for garam masala.
- Fresh Cilantro Leaves: Adds freshness and color as a garnish.
💡💡💡Pro Tips : If you are serving these potatoes as a finger food appetizer or starter , choose small baby potatoes. If you want to serve it as a side or main course, cut them into bite size pieces. You can use peeled or un-peeled potatoes depending upon your preference.
Balance the Flavors : Taste and adjust the spice mix before serving. If the dish feels too spicy, you can balance it out with a squeeze of lemon juice or a dollop of yogurt. If it feels too salty or tangy, a pinch of sugar can help balance the flavors.
You can use onions and tomatoes to make a curry like bombay potatoes recipe.
How To Make
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cumin seeds. Allow them to splutter for about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste. Cook for a minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle turmeric powder, red chili powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, garam masala, and salt. Stir and let the spices bloom for 30 seconds.
- Toss in the potatoes and coat them evenly with the spice mixture. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are slightly tender. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Open the lid. Add amchur powder, dried mint leaves and toss well so the seasoning coats the potatoes well. Turn off the heat.
- Once the potatoes are fork tender and cooked through, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness and flavor.
- Serve hot as an appetizer or as a side dish to your favorite Indian meal. Enjoy !
Storage
- Refrigeration: To store leftovers, Allow the cooked Bombay Potatoes to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: While potatoes can be frozen, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze Bombay Potatoes, ensure they are fully cooled, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat refrigerated Bombay Potatoes, simply transfer them to a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until heated through.
Recipe Faqs
Bombay Potatoes stand out for their bold and aromatic flavors derived from a blend of traditional Indian spices. The combination of cumin, turmeric, and other spices gives these spicy potatoes a distinctive taste that sets them apart from other potato dishes.
Yes, Bombay Potatoes or roasted Indian potatoes are entirely vegetarian and vegan. They can be enjoyed as a standalone dish or paired with other vegetarian or vegan Indian dishes for a complete meal.
When making Bombay Potatoes, opt for waxy or firm potatoes like Yukon Gold, Red Bliss, or Russet. These varieties hold their shape well during cooking and absorb the flavorful spices, resulting in a delicious dish. Avoid mealy potatoes, which can become mushy. Aim for uniform size when dicing for even cooking.
Bombay Potatoes, also known as Bombay Aloo, are a popular Indian dish originating from the streets of Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay. It's a flavorful and aromatic preparation of masala roasted potatoes cooked with a variety of spices, creating a delightful dish that's both comforting and satisfying.
Potato Recipes
My family loves potatoes in any form. Creamy Potato Soup, Delicious Potato Salad and Cheese Potato Poppers, these are our kid friendly family favorites. We also love Smashed Potatoes, and Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes.
We also love variety of Indian Potato Curry recipes including Aloo Matar ( Potato and peas curry) Dum Aloo ( Creamy baby potato curry) and Aloo Baingan ( Potato Eggplant Curry).
Our Favorite Indian Street Food Recipes
- Pav Bhaji : Mixed vegetable stew
- Misal : Spicy Sprouts curry
- Aloo Tikki - Spicy Potato Cutlets
- Tawa Pulao - Spicy Skillet rice
- Ragda Pattice : Potato cutlets with peas curry
- And many more Indian Chat Recipes
★ If you make this Bombay Potatoes - Roasted Masala Potato Recipe do let us know how you like it by ★ star rating it and leaving a comment below.
📖 Recipe
Bombay Potatoes - Roasted Masala Potatoes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds small baby potatoes about 10 potatoes
- 2 Tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon garam masala or curry powder
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried mint leaves
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust per taste
Optional Additional Spices and garnishes
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon amchur powder or chat masala ( dried mango powder)
- ¼ cup coriander leaves ( cilantro) for garnish
- 1 Tablespoon ginger garlic paste
Instructions
- Wash and clean the potatoes and pat dry well. Using a fork, pierce the middle of each potato few times. In a small bowl, combine all seasoning together.
How To make Bombay Potatoes in Instant Pot
- PRESS the SAUTE mode button on the Instant Pot. When HOT appears on the display, add oil and cumin seeds. Let them splutter for few seconds. Add ginger garlic paste.
- Add potatoes arrange in a single layer. Let them roast in the pot for 3-4 minutes. When they are browned at bottom, roll them upside down , making sure the potatoes are lightly brown and crispy on all sides. Total about 6-8 minutes.
- Toss in herb seasonings. Make sure it coats the potatoes well. Transfer the potatoes in steamer basket. Add 1 cup water in main insert. Place the steamer basket in the main pot.
- Press KEEP WARM/CANCEL button. Close and lock the lid, set floating valve on SEALING. Press the manual button, cooking time to 6 minutes.
- Once done, use quick release by pressing CANCEL and then turning the steam floating valve on the lid to VENTING position. Open lid and transfer potatoes to serving platter. Serve hot. Enjoy !
How to Make Bombay Potatoes on Stove Top
- Heat oil in the pan on medium high heat. ( I prefer to use Cast Iron Skillet which gives it nice color to the roast.) Add cumin seeds and allow them to splutter for about 30 seconds. Add ginger garlic paste. Now add potatoes and stir well. Cover and cook on medium heat for 10-12 minutes.
- Rotate them in between so they brown up all around. Remove the lid. Toss in rest of the seasoning . Make sure it coats well. Cook for another 3 mins.
- Pierce the fork in the middle of the couple of potatoes. If it goes smoothly and feels tender they are done! Transfer potatoes to serving platter. Serve hot. Enjoy !
How to Make Bombay Potatoes in Air Fryer
- Wash and clean the potatoes and pat dry well. Using a fork, pierce the middle of each potato few times. In a small bowl, combine all seasoning and oil together. Mix potatoes with seasoning and coat it well.
- Arrange the seasoned potatoes on air fryer basket or baking tray in a single layer. Air Fry at 375 F for 12-15 minutes tossing halfway through. Pierce the fork in the middle of the couple of potatoes. If it goes smoothly and feels tender, they are done! Transfer potatoes to serving platter. Serve hot. Enjoy !
How to Make Bombay Potatoes in the oven
- Preheat oven at 375 F. Arrange the seasoned potatoes on the baking tray in a single layer. Bake for 20-30 minutes, tossing halfway through. Pierce the fork in the middle of the couple of potatoes. If it goes smoothly and feels tender, they are done! Transfer potatoes to serving platter. Serve hot. Enjoy !
Notes
Nutrition
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✨✨This recipe was originally published on September 11, 2018. It has been revised, edited and republished on February 14, 2024. New photos and detailed instructions are added for better reader experience. ✨✨
Discover the authentic flavors of Mumbai cuisine with our easy Bombay Potatoes recipe, a spicy and flavorful Indian street food favorite. Using traditional Indian spices, this vegetarian dish captures the essence of homemade Indian cooking.
Pratima Bhalchandra Karandikar
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