Pahari Aloo, Potato salad from Kumaon hills of Himalaya

Ingredients for making Pahari Aloo:

• Boiled potatoes: 500gm
• Green chilly: 2, slit lengthwise
• White sesame seeds: 50gm, washed and toasted lightly
• Mustard oil: 2 tsp
• Fenugreek/methi seeds: 1/2 tsp
• Lime juice/Tamarind pulp: 2 tbs
• Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp
• Chilly Powder: to taste/optional
• Thyme leaves: a few, optional

Method for making Pahari Aloo:

1. Dice the boiled potatoes, and leave aside in a large mixing bowl.
2. Grind sesame seeds and add to the potatoes. Add salt and chilly powder to taste.
3. Add lime juice/tamarind pulp, and mix well.
4. In a wok/kadhai, heat the mustard oil. Add methi and let it turn a shade darker. Now add turmeric and green chilly. Take off the fire immediately.
5. Add the oil mixture to the rest of the ingredients.
6. Optional: garnish with thyme or green coriander.

By itself, this potato salad is great for a snack. It makes a filling side dish for a summer lunch too. I love to have it by itself :-)

Anisha