Sri Lanka Ala Badun Potatoes and Onion

Sri Lanka Ala Badun Potatoes and Onion Recipe - Vegetarian Food

Region / culture: Sri Lanka | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Sri Lanka Ala Badun, also known as potatoes and onion curry, is a popular dish in Sri Lankan cuisine. This flavorful and aromatic dish is made with simple ingredients like potatoes, onions, and a blend of spices that create a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

This traditional Sri Lankan dish has been enjoyed for generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the recipe. The combination of potatoes and onions cooked in fragrant spices is a staple in Sri Lankan households and is often served with rice or roti.

Ingredients

450 g of potatoes
225 g of onion
1 tsp of salt
0.25 tsp of turmeric
1 tsp of chile powder
1 tsp of paprika
15 curry leaves
100 ml of oil
0.5 tsp of ground mustard seed
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp of lime juice

How to prepare

Boil the potatoes, then peel and cut them into bite-size pieces.
Slice the onion.
Place the potatoes in a bowl and add the salt, turmeric, chili powder, and paprika powder.
Heat the oil in a pan and when hot, add the curry leaves, followed by the onion, mustard, and cinnamon stick.
Fry until the onions turn golden brown, then add the potatoes and continue tossing with the onions until they are browned and heated through.
Discard the cinnamon stick and sprinkle lime juice on top just before serving.

Variations

Add coconut milk for a creamier texture.
Include vegetables like carrots or green beans for added nutrition.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or mint leaves for a burst of freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to boil the potatoes until they are just tender, as overcooking them can make them mushy.

- Adding curry leaves to the hot oil releases their flavor and aroma, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

- Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your spice preference.

- For a richer flavor, you can add coconut milk to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sri Lanka Ala Badun with steamed rice or roti for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the potatoes until just tender.

- Fry the onions until golden brown for added flavor.

- Toss the potatoes with the onions and spices until heated through.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute shallots for onions for a milder taste.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the potatoes and onions ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Sri Lanka Ala Badun in a decorative bowl garnished with fresh curry leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a side of coconut sambol or a fresh cucumber salad for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sri Lanka Ala Badun contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Sri Lanka Ala Badun contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Sri Lanka Ala Badun contains approximately 15g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Sri Lanka Ala Badun contains approximately 5g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, potassium, and iron.

Alergens

This dish may contain mustard seeds and is cooked in oil, so it may not be suitable for those with mustard or oil allergies.

Summary

Sri Lanka Ala Badun is a nutritious dish that is high in carbohydrates and fats, making it a satisfying and filling meal.

Summary

Sri Lanka Ala Badun is a delicious and comforting dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With simple ingredients and a blend of spices, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, many years ago, when I stumbled upon the Sri Lanka Ala Badun Potatoes and Onion recipe. I had just returned from a trip to Sri Lanka where I had the pleasure of trying this delicious dish for the first time.

I remember walking through the bustling streets of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka, and being overwhelmed by the smells and sounds of the local markets. I was drawn to a small food stall where a kind elderly woman was cooking up a storm. The aroma of spices filled the air, and I couldn't resist stopping to watch her work her magic.

Curious, I struck up a conversation with the woman and she graciously shared the recipe for her Ala Badun Potatoes and Onion. She explained that it was a traditional Sri Lankan dish that was often made for special occasions and family gatherings. The combination of tender potatoes, caramelized onions, and a blend of aromatic spices was simply irresistible.

I watched intently as the woman prepared the dish, taking mental notes of each step and ingredient. She used a mix of turmeric, cumin, coriander, and curry leaves to season the potatoes and onions, giving them a rich and complex flavor. The dish was topped off with a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, adding a burst of freshness to every bite.

After returning home from my trip, I couldn't wait to recreate the Ala Badun Potatoes and Onion dish in my own kitchen. I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work, following the recipe I had learned in Sri Lanka. As the potatoes and onions sizzled in the pan, the familiar aroma of the spices filled the air, transporting me back to the bustling streets of Colombo.

When the dish was finally ready, I plated it with care, garnishing it with a handful of fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime, just as the woman in Sri Lanka had done. I took my first bite and was immediately transported back to that food stall in Colombo. The flavors were spot on – the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy.

From that moment on, the Sri Lanka Ala Badun Potatoes and Onion recipe became a staple in my kitchen. I would often make it for family gatherings and special occasions, delighting my loved ones with the exotic flavors of Sri Lanka. Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own touch here and there, but the essence of the dish remains the same.

I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on the flavors of Sri Lanka to all who are willing to try. Each time I make the dish, I am reminded of that warm summer day in Colombo and the kind woman who shared her recipe with me. It is a dish that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of my travels and the culinary adventures that have shaped me into the cook I am today.

As I look back on the journey that led me to discover the Sri Lanka Ala Badun Potatoes and Onion recipe, I am grateful for the experiences and memories that have enriched my life. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and each recipe I learn is like a piece of history, a story waiting to be told. And as I continue to cook and create in my kitchen, I know that there are countless more recipes out there waiting to be discovered, each one holding the promise of a new adventure.