Bombay Potatoes

When I was at school years ago, we had a "Day of Islam" where we spent the day painting designs on our skin with henna, cooking a few dishes, and generally learning about the Islamic faith. I don't remember much from that day, but I did remember making some gorgeous seedy potato things, and a few months back, I found the recipe, and I decided to use it as a base for my own bombay potato recipe.

This recipe calls for both black and yellow mustard seeds, but it's not necessary to have both types. If you only have black seeds, them simply use 2 Tsp instead. I just think it's nice to have the mix of both. Also, it is important to reduce the heat shortly after adding in the onions or else the seeds and/or the onions could burn, adding a bitter taste to the dish.

As a side dish this will give you a good portion for 4-6 people depending on the size of the potatoes and how much you want to eat.

Ingredients: 3 Large Potatoes Olive Oil Butter 2 Tsp Cumin Seeds 1 Tsp Black Mustard Seeds 1 Tsp Yellow Mustard Seeds 2 Large Onions Sliced 1 Tsp Ground Coriander 1 Tsp Ground Cumin 1 Tsp Garam Masala 1 Tsp Mild Chilli Powder Salt & Pepper

Method:

1. Peel the potatoes and cut into chunks of about 1 inch in size. Boil in a pan of salted water and cook until just tender. Do not overcook, or they will fall apart later on. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and set to one side.
2. Heat a little oil in a deep sided frying pan and when hot add in a knob of butter. once the butter has melted tip in the cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Cook for a few seconds until they begin to pop.
3. Add in the sliced onions and fry for a minute, then reduce the heat and cook the onions until they are nice and soft, but not necessarily browned.
4. Add in the ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala and chilli powder and mix into the onions. season with salt and pepper and cook in for a few minutes.
5. Tip the potatoes into the pan and mix around thoroughly so that all of the onions and potatoes are coated in spices. Cook for a few minutes until the potatoes are warmed through and serve.