Aaloo Gutuk( Kumaoni Dry Potatoe Bhaji)

Aaloo Gutuk or dry aaloo sabji is Kumaoni's favourite when it comes to any festivities. One of my childhood memories include seeing my mother preparing aaloo gutuk specially every Holi with mint chutney with either cucumber raita or dahi vada and serving to all the men and women(holiyar) coming in the house. Friends and relatives visit each other's house to play with colours on the day.
   In my Mom in laws house ladies come  for Holi Milan(get -together) where they sing songs termed holies (songs displaying romance between god and goddesses and celebrating holi.) which is again an awesome kumaoni tradition. Holi in kumaon usually starts from month before (rang ki ekadashi according to lunar calendar) the actual date. Aaloo Gutuk are served with other snackes like bada/vada to this singing group.

Ingredients

1.  Some Boiled Potatoes
2.  Methi Dana/Fenugreek seeds 1/2 teaspoon
3.  Cumin seeds 1/2 teaspoon
4.  Jimbu herb 1/2 teaspoon
5.  Two dried red chillies 1/2 teaspoon
6.  Mustard Oil 1/2 teaspoon

7.  Hing/Asafoetida A pinch

8.  Dhaniya /Coriander powder 1 teaspoon
9.  Red Chilly powder 1/2 teaspoon
10. Salt to taste
11. Haldi /Turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon

Preparation

Peel boiled potatoes.Cut them in to round pieces. Take mustard oil in a pan. Heat it. Add methi Dana till they are black.Add a pinch of hing,add cumin seeds, Jimbu herb, dried red chillies. Add boiled potatoes for frying.Now add corriander powder, turmeric powder, red chilly powder and salt to taste. Keep it at low flame till potatoes are crisp and golden yellow.Garnish it with parsley.Serve hot.