Any Maharashtrian worth his salt knows Batatyachya Kachrya! Batata means Potatoes and Kachrya refer to the style of preparation. Whenever there is a question of what to cook, potatoes are the to go item for Rakesh. Contrary to popular belief, potatoes are an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, Potatoes contain a special type of starch known as resistant starch which may improve blood sugar control. So may be potatoes are not so bad after all. Also, potato arguably ranks number one when it comes to versatility. It is enjoyed as baked, pan fried, fried, mashed, boiled (if not more) preparations. Think of potato as a blank canvas. It takes any flavor you give it!
What are Kachrya?
Batatyachya Kachrya is a dry, pan fried potato dish is a staple in every Maharashtrian household! “Kachrya” refers to the way the potatoes are cut for this dish. First they are sliced in half, lengthwise. Then, keeping the flat side down, half again lengthwise. Then cut thin, uniform perpendicular slices. The key to getting a uniform cook on the potatoes is keeping the slices uniformly thick.
In this dish, sliced potatoes are first soaked in water for a few minutes to get rid of the excess starch. Then, they are stir fried with a few spices to make a quick, easy and tasty side dish that is usually served with hot rotis/chapatis/ fulkas. Batatyachya Kachrya also happens to be a hit with kids.
There is hardly anyone who would not like this simple yet tasty preparation. Here is the recipe…
BATATYACHYA KACHRYA
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp oil
- 2 medium potatoes sliced and soaked in water for 5 mins
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp hinga asaefotida
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 3/4 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan. Once heated, add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the mustard seeds, hinga and turmeric powder.
- Add the cut, soaked and drained potato slices.
- Season with salt, cover and cook for 5-7 mins on medium flame. Stir it once mid way.
- Season with sugar and red chili powder. Mix well.
- Cover and cook for 2 mins on medium flame
- Once the potatoes are fully cooked, garnish with chopped cilantro leaves and serve hot.
Video
Finally, do check out another simple & healthy traditional maharashtrian dish which I am sure will tickle your taste buds – Masale Bhaat.