Urulaikizhangu Podimas - Mashed Potatoes, South Indian Style

When I was a child, I was a picky eater. I would run away  just by the sight of many vegetables. There are only very few vegetables that could grab me to the table to eat them. Imagine how hard it would have been to my Mom. Thank God Thaara is not like that. Potatoes were top on that list. I love potato in any form, fry it, boil it, mash it anything, in any way and with anything you serve the potato, will finish the whole meal without any complaints. Even now my love for potato hasn't changed. My Mom used to make potato podimas, which is my favorite of all. The aroma of garlic and ginger in each bite makes it more delicious, the bright yellow color of it with mustard and channa dhal jeweled on it with hints of greenery added by curry leaves and cilantro makes it visually appealing.. What a description for mashed potatoes? mmmmm.. Try this podimas then you will also sing their praise like me.. 

What are the ingredients needed?

Potatoes, 4-5 nos. (depending on the size)

Oil, 2 Tablespoons

Mustard seeds, 1/2 teaspoon

Chana dhal/ kadalaparuppu, 1 tablespoon

Onion, 1 (small)

Green chillies, 3- 4 nos(depending on its size and spice level required)

Garlic, 4-5 cloves

Ginger, 1 small piece (2" size approximately)

Curry leaves, a sprig

Asafoetida,a pinch

Turmeric powder, 1/4 teaspoon

Salt, to taste

Cilantro, to garnish

How it is made??

1. Boil the potatoes. Peel the skin and mash them well.
2. Chop the onions,slit the green chillies, finely mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
3. Heat the oil in a skillet, add the mustard seeds and when they crack add the channa dhal and fry for a minute and add onions, green chillies, curry leaves ,garlic , ginger and asafoetida. Saute for 2-3 minutes.
4. Then add turmeric powder and cook for a minute, then add the mashed potatoes, salt to taste and mix them well.
5. Remove from heat. Mix well and garnish with chopped cilantro.

Serve with rice along with rasam or any spicy tangy gravy. Also it makes great combination with yogurt rice.

It serves 4 persons.

Notes

• If you don't prefer chana dhal, you can add urad dhal instead.
• Some add lemon juice, but my mom doesn' t add though. So if needed you can 2 tsp of lemon juice.