A step-by-step guide to making delicious potato dumplings, also known as "Potato Dum" or "Aloo Dum" in some cuisines. These dumplings are popular in various forms across different cultures. In this guide, we'll make a basic version of potato dumplings with a flavorful sauce.
Ingredients:
For Potato Dumplings:
- 4 large potatoes (about 2 lbs or 900g)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt to taste
- Water (for boiling)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika or chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- Salt to taste
- Chopped cilantro leaves (for garnish)
Instructions:
Making Potato Dumplings:
1. Boil the Potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into large chunks.
- Place the potato chunks in a pot of salted water and bring it to a boil.
- Cook until the potatoes are tender (about 15-20 minutes).
2. Mash the Potatoes:
- Drain the boiled potatoes and let them cool slightly.
- Mash the potatoes until there are no lumps. You can use a potato masher or a fork for this.
3. Add Flour and Salt:
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt to the mashed potatoes.
- Knead the mixture into a smooth dough. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a bit more flour.
4. Shape the Dumplings:
- Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a smooth ball.
- You can make the dumplings any size you prefer; traditionally, they are about the size of a golf ball.
5. Boil the Dumplings:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add some salt.
- Gently drop the potato dumplings into the boiling water.
- Cook for about 10-15 minutes or until they float to the surface, indicating they're done.
- Remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon and set them aside.
Making the Sauce:
1. Heat Oil and Cumin Seeds:
- In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds.
2. Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Ginger:
- Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the pan.
- Sauté until the onions become translucent and the mixture is aromatic.
3. Add Spices:
- Stir in the ground coriander, turmeric powder, and paprika or chili powder.
- Cook for another minute to toast the spices.
4. Tomato Puree:
- Pour in the tomato puree and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the oil starts to separate.
5. Yogurt and Salt:
- Reduce the heat to low and add the plain yogurt and salt to the sauce.
- Stir well and simmer for another 5 minutes.
6. Combine with Dumplings:
- Gently add the cooked potato dumplings to the sauce.
- Simmer for a few more minutes to allow the dumplings to soak up the flavors.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped cilantro leaves.
- Serve the potato dumplings hot with rice, naan, or bread.
Enjoy your homemade potato dumplings in a flavorful sauce! You can adjust the spices and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.