Aloo ki sabji / Batata bhaji / Indian Potato Recipe

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Aloo ki sabji – Learn how to make this classic Indian potato recipe in under 30 minutes using a pressure cooker like Instant Pot. This versatile dish is easy to make and it is perfect for those who are new to Indian cooking. 

Aloo sabzi served in a black bowl along with rice,roti and kadhi

Indians love their potatoes, also called Aloo (in the Northern and Eastern parts of India) and Batata (on the west coast of India). Ever since the Portuguese and British introduced this tuber in the late 17th/early 18th century, it has been assimilated in countless recipes across India.

It is fair to say that potatoes have transformed Indian cuisine. 

I have a ton of recipes that use potatoes, but if you are new to Indian cooking, this Aloo sabzi or Batata bhaji recipe would be a good place to start. It is quick and easy to make and it is pretty much fail-proof.

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How to make Aloo ki sabzi?

This potato bhaji recipe is a classic dish that most households in India make every now and then. 

Aloo ki sabzi was traditionally made by adding boiled potatoes to a tempering of mustard seeds and onions, but with the advent of electric pressure cookers such as Instant Pot or Mealthy, you don’t need to boil the potatoes separately. For example, using an Instant Pot, you could start with tempering, saute the onions for a bit and then throw in the rest of the ingredients to make it a one-pot dish.

Here’s how I go about it. 

Steps to make Aloo sabji

  1. Set the Instant Pot to ‘Saute’ mode and adjust the setting to ‘More’. When the display reads ‘Hot’, add oil. When the oil heats up, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds (jeera) and hing (if using).
  2.  When the mustard and cumin seeds start to sputter, add curry leaves and onions along with turmeric powder. Fry them till the onions have softened up and turned transparent (takes about 5 minutes). 
  3. Add green chilies, minced garlic, grated ginger, and salt. Mix well and saute it for about 30 seconds. 
  4. Add potatoes along with 3/4 cup water. Mix well and scrape the pot to remove any food particles stuck to the bottom. 
  5. Close the vent and set it to the sealing position. Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes.
  6. Once the cooking cycle is complete, immediately release pressure by moving the vent to the venting position. 
  7. The potatoes will be slightly smushed and that is okay. If you prefer this aloo sabzi dry, you can saute it for a minute or two on high heat to reduce the moisture. 
  8. Open the lid and add lime juice. Mix well to combine.
  9. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
  10. Serve hot with rice and dal or ghee laden rotis

Variations 

  1. I like the potatoes to be a bit mushy so I cook it for 5 minutes. If you prefer them to hold their shape, pressure cook for about 3-4 minutes and reduce the water to 1/2 cup.
  2. You can add a teaspoon of sugar to this recipe to balance the tanginess from the lime juice.
  3. To make batata nu shaak (a Gujarati version of this dish), replace the cumin seeds with 2 teaspoons of sesame seeds (til). 

Serving suggestions 

  1. Savor it with rotis, puris or serve it as an accompaniment with rice, dal or kadhi. 
  2. Use it as a filling for masala dosas or in this air-fried bread roll
  3. If you have leftovers, you can make it into a sandwich. It is great for a packed lunch! 
Potato bhaji served with rice, kadhi and chapati
Potato Bhaji (Batata bhaji)

Looking for more potato recipes? Check out these five easy Indian side dish / main course recipes that are made from potatoes. 

  1. Aloo matar –  this simple peas and potato curry is perfect for days when you want a fuss-free meal that is easy to make and delicious. Pair it with roti or rice to make it a complete meal.
  2. Aloo methi – Aloo methi combines stir-fried potatoes (aloo) with freshly chopped fenugreek leaves (methi) to create an aromatic and flavorful side dish that is best savored with ghee laden rotis.
  3. Dum aloo – This easy and delicious Punjabi style Dum Aloo gravy is perfect for families who want to savor this lovely dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Leverage your Instant Pot and make it in about 40-minutes.
  4. Jeera Aloo – Made by sauteeing potatoes (aloo) in a tempering of olive oil and cumin (jeera) seeds, this simple yet delicious side dish is perfect for those who are new to Indian cooking. Pair with rice and dal to make a complete meal. 
  5. Pav bhaji – Loaded with veggies and butter, Mumbai Pav bhaji is one of the most popular street foods in India. Serve it with crispy buttered pav (soft dinner rolls) for a complete gastronomical experience.
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Aloo sabzi served in a black bowl along with rice,roti and kadhi
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4.80 from 5 votes

Easy Indian Potatoes / Aloo sabzi / Batata Bhaji

Aloo Recipe – This classic Indian Potato recipe is this easy and quick side dish that is perfect for those who are new to Indian cooking. Pair with rice and dal to make a complete meal or savor it with rotis or pooris
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil or olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
  • ½ teaspoon cumin seeds jeera
  • teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
  • 6 curry leaves (kadipatta)
  • 1 cup chopped onions
  • 2 Indian or Thai green chilies (Bird's eye) finely chopped
  • 1-inch piece ginger grated
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 6 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and chopped 4 cups chopped
  • 1 tablespoon squeezed lime juice
  • 1 cup water

For garnishing

Instructions
 

  • Set the Instant Pot to ‘Saute’ mode and adjust the setting to ‘More’. When the display reads ‘Hot’, add oil. When the oil heats up, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds (jeera) and hing (if using).
  • When the mustard and cumin seeds start to sputter, add curry leaves and onions along with turmeric powder. Fry them till the onions have softened up and turned transparent (takes about 5 minutes).
  • Add green chilies, minced garlic, grated ginger, and salt. Mix well and saute it for about 30 seconds.
  • Add potatoes along with 3/4 cup water. Mix well and scrape the pot to remove any food particles stuck to the bottom.
  • Close the vent and set it to the sealing position. Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes.
  • Once the cooking cycle is complete, immediately release pressure by moving the vent to the venting position.
  • The potatoes will be slightly smushed and that is okay. If you prefer this aloo sabzi dry, you can saute it for a minute or two on high heat to reduce the moisture.
  • Open the lid and add lime juice. Mix well to combine.
  • Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
  • Serve hot with rice and dal or ghee laden rotis.

Notes

Variations 
  1. I like the potatoes to be a bit mushy so I cook it for 5 minutes. If you prefer them to hold their shape, pressure cook for about 3-4 minutes and reduce the water to 1/2 cup.
  2. You can add a teaspoon of sugar to this recipe to balance the tanginess from the lime juice.
  3. To make batata nu shaak (a Gujarati version of this dish), replace the cumin seeds with 2 teaspoons of sesame seeds (til). 
Serving suggestions 
  1. Savor it with rotis, puris or serve it as an accompaniment with rice, dal or kadhi.
  2. Use it as a filling for masala dosas or in this air-fried bread roll.
  3. If you have leftovers, you can make it into a sandwich. It is great for a packed lunch! 
Read the post…For helpful information on ingredient swaps, storage tips, meal prep ideas, and variations!

Disclaimer: Approximate nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and can vary depending on the exact ingredients/brands used. If you have health issues, please work with a registered dietician or nutritionist.

Nutrition

Calories: 187kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 6gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 463mgPotassium: 927mgFiber: 6gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 47IUVitamin C: 49mgCalcium: 78mgIron: 7mg
Diet: Gluten-free, Vegan
Course: Side Dish
Method: Instant Pot, Stovetop
Keywords: Aloo ki sabji, Batata bhaji, Indian side dish
Cuisine: Indian
Did you enjoy this recipe or have a question?Please leave a comment below. Don’t forget to rate!

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