Aloor torkari - A simple yet delicious preparation

My mom used to call this dish aloor daal which means daal made of potato. This used to be one of my favorites in my childhood. The dish is simple to prepare and very delicious. It can be served with rice or roti or luchi(poori).

Ingredients:

• Potato(boiled)                 – 5 medium sized
• Onion                              – 2 medium sized, chopped(this is optional)
• Tomato                           - 2 medium sized, chopped
• Ginger                             - 1 inch finely chopped or grated
• Green chili                      - 4 finely chopped
• Cilantro                           - Handful finely chopped
• Kalo jeera(Nigella seeds) - 1½ tsp
• Tej pata(Bay leaf)           - 1
• Dried red chili                 - 2-3
• Turmeric powder             - ¼ tsp
• Chili powder                    - ½ tsp(adjust as per your level)
• Jeera(cumin) powder       - 1 tsp
• Oil                                  - 2 Tbsp
• Salt                                 - per taste

Method:
1. Peel the boiled potatoes and mash them roughly. You do not want to make a fine smooth mix, so keep it uneven and rough.

2. Heat oil in a pan. When hot temper with kalo jeera, red chili and tej pata.
3. Add onion and green chili. Onion is really optional in this recipe. Most of the times I would prepare it without onions but this is something I just wanted to try and it turned out good. So yes you can add onions, trust me.

4. When onion becomes translucent add the tomato and ginger and keep cooking.

5. When tomato is cooked and becomes mushy add the masala powders(jeera, turmeric and chili). Cook for another minute.

6. Add the mashed potato and mix well.

7. Add 2 cups of water. Add salt. Cover the pan with lid and simmer for 4-5 minutes.
8. This is an important step. You have to run to the patio garden and get fresh cilantro. (Did you say you don't have garden? Really? Well next time make sure you have a garden and you have cilantro in it) :-) 
Well, add chopped cilantro.
9. Serve with rice/roti/puri.