Potatoes Cooked with Garlic and Sesame Seeds

Sri Lankan Vegetarian Recipe: Potatoes Cooked with Garlic and Sesame Seeds

Region / culture: Sri Lanka | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Potatoes cooked with garlic and sesame seeds is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is sure to please your taste buds. The combination of crispy potatoes, nutty sesame seeds, and fragrant garlic creates a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Indian cuisine, where potatoes are a staple ingredient in many dishes. The addition of garlic and sesame seeds adds a unique twist to this classic dish, creating a flavorful and aromatic experience.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) medium-sized boiling potatoes
5 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp sesame seeds
3 good-sized cloves garlic
0.5 tsp ground turmeric
0.13 tsp ground asafetida
1 tsp salt
0.13 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

How to prepare

Peel the potatoes and cut them into finger-sized pieces, about 0.33 to 0.5 inches thick. Place the potato fingers in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least half an hour.
Drain the potatoes and pat them dry.
In a skillet or wok measuring 8 to 9 inches, heat the oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the potatoes and cook them for 8 to 10 minutes, turning them occasionally. The potatoes should be partially cooked but not browned.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the potatoes to a plate and set them aside.
In the same skillet, add the sesame seeds and stir them once. Then, add the garlic slivers and continue stirring and frying over medium heat. Once the garlic starts to turn brown (which happens quickly), add the turmeric and asafetida. Stir once more.
Quickly add the partially cooked potatoes, salt, and cayenne to the skillet. Stir everything together, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to low. Cook the potatoes gently, stirring frequently, until they are fully cooked.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or onions for added flavor and texture.
Sprinkle with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro before serving.
For a creamy twist, stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream before serving.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to soak the potatoes in cold water before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent them from sticking together.

- Be sure to cook the potatoes partially before adding them back to the skillet with the garlic and sesame seeds. This will ensure that they are fully cooked and tender.

- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add more.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it on its own as a light and flavorful meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe uses a combination of frying and gentle cooking to ensure that the potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of potato for this recipe, but boiling potatoes work best.

- If you don't have sesame seeds, you can substitute with toasted sunflower seeds or chopped nuts.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the potatoes and garlic mixture ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Simply reheat and finish cooking before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the potatoes cooked with garlic and sesame seeds in a decorative serving dish garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for added color.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or a side of rice or quinoa.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of potatoes cooked with garlic and sesame seeds contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of potatoes cooked with garlic and sesame seeds contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins. Garlic is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Sesame seeds are a good source of calcium, iron, and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains sesame seeds, which may be a common allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Potatoes cooked with garlic and sesame seeds is a nutritious dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a flavorful and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Potatoes cooked with garlic and sesame seeds is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I discovered this recipe is a cherished memory that I hold dear to my heart. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished helping my Aunt Maria harvest potatoes from her garden. As a reward for my hard work, she invited me into her kitchen to teach me how to make a special dish - Potatoes Cooked with Garlic and Sesame Seeds.

Aunt Maria was a wonderful cook, and I had always admired her ability to create delicious meals with simple ingredients. As we stood in her cozy kitchen, she began to gather the necessary ingredients for the dish - fresh potatoes, garlic, sesame seeds, olive oil, and a touch of salt. She explained to me that this recipe had been passed down through generations in our family, and that she was thrilled to share it with me.

We started by peeling and slicing the potatoes into thin rounds, careful not to cut ourselves in the process. Aunt Maria then heated a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet and added the sliced potatoes, allowing them to cook until they were golden brown and crispy on the edges.

Next, she minced several cloves of garlic and added them to the skillet, along with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra layer of flavor. The aroma that filled the kitchen was absolutely heavenly, and my mouth watered in anticipation of tasting the finished dish.

After a few minutes of stirring and flipping the potatoes, Aunt Maria declared that they were ready to be served. She plated them up on a beautiful ceramic dish and sprinkled them with a pinch of salt for the final touch. As we sat down to eat, she shared stories of her own childhood and the many memories she had of cooking with her own grandmother.

The first bite of the Potatoes Cooked with Garlic and Sesame Seeds was pure bliss. The crispy potatoes were perfectly seasoned with the garlic and sesame seeds, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that danced on my taste buds. I couldn't believe how such a simple dish could be so incredibly delicious.

As I savored each bite, I made a mental note to learn more of Aunt Maria's recipes and continue the tradition of cooking with love and care. I thanked her profusely for sharing this special recipe with me, and she smiled warmly in return, happy to pass on a piece of our family heritage.

Since that day, I have made Potatoes Cooked with Garlic and Sesame Seeds countless times, always remembering the special moment when Aunt Maria taught me how to make it. Each time I prepare this dish, I am filled with a sense of pride and gratitude for the culinary traditions that have been passed down through the generations.

As I sit here now, recalling that warm summer day in Aunt Maria's kitchen, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. The recipe for Potatoes Cooked with Garlic and Sesame Seeds will forever hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the love and connection that flows through our family with each delicious bite.