Vaangi Batata Masala

Vaangi Batata Masala Recipe - A Flavorful Vegetarian Dish from India

Region / culture: India | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Vaangi Batata Masala is a popular Indian dish made with potatoes and eggplant cooked in a flavorful blend of spices. This dish is a delicious and hearty vegetarian option that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish.

History

Vaangi Batata Masala has its origins in the Indian state of Maharashtra, where it is a staple in many households. The combination of potatoes and eggplant cooked in a spicy masala is a classic recipe that has been passed down through generations.

Ingredients

500 g potatoes
300 g eggplant
75 g chopped onions
25 g ginger garlic paste
25 g chopped tomatoes
10 g chopped coriander leaves
05 g cumin seeds
02 g cinnamon
05 g turmeric powder
10 g chilli powder
10 g coriander powder
10 g cumin seeds powder
1 lemon
50 g oil
salt

How to prepare

Boil the potatoes and dice them into 2-inch pieces. Fry the diced potatoes and set them aside.
Cut the eggplant in a similar manner and fry it until cooked.
Heat the oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. When the seeds crackle, mix in the cinnamon and onions. Stir until the onions become translucent.
Add the remaining ingredients in the same order as mentioned above, stirring after each addition.
Add the fried potatoes and eggplant to the pan. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Squeeze lime juice into the mixture and check the seasoning. Adjust if needed.
Serve the dish hot, garnished with coriander leaves.

Variations

Add peas or bell peppers for added color and flavor.
Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a different twist.
Add some cashew nuts or peanuts for a crunchy texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to dice the potatoes and eggplant into similar sizes for even cooking.

- Frying the potatoes and eggplant before adding them to the masala adds a nice texture to the dish.

- Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by adding more or less chilli powder.

- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a burst of freshness and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Vaangi Batata Masala with steamed rice or roti for a complete meal. It can also be enjoyed with some yogurt or raita on the side.

Cooking Techniques

Boil, fry, and simmer the ingredients to ensure they are cooked through and infused with the flavors of the spices.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any cooking oil of your choice in place of the specified oil.

- Substitute lemon juice with tamarind paste for a tangy flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the masala ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat and add the fried potatoes and eggplant before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with a sprinkle of garam masala or roasted cumin powder for an extra layer of flavor. - Serve in a traditional Indian thali for an authentic touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Vaangi Batata Masala with a side of cucumber salad or pickles for a refreshing contrast to the spicy flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Approximately 250 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Potatoes: 37g per 100g

- Eggplant: 6g per 100g

- Onions: 9g per 100g

- Tomatoes: 4g per 100g

Fats

- Oil: 14g per 100g

Proteins

- Potatoes: 2g per 100g

- Eggplant: 1g per 100g

Vitamins and minerals

Potatoes: Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Potassium

- Eggplant: Folate, Vitamin K, Magnesium

Alergens

None

Summary

Vaangi Batata Masala is a nutritious dish that is rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great source of energy and can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Vaangi Batata Masala is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With the right combination of spices and ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it with rice or roti for a satisfying meal that will leave you wanting more.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Vaangi Batata Masala. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in India. My grandmother, who was an excellent cook, had learned this recipe from her own mother and she decided to pass it down to me.

One hot summer day, as the sun beat down on our humble little kitchen, my grandmother called me over and handed me a piece of paper with the recipe written on it. She told me that this dish was a family favorite and that it was important for me to learn how to make it.

I watched as my grandmother gracefully moved around the kitchen, gathering the ingredients and explaining each step of the recipe to me. She told me that the key to making a good Vaangi Batata Masala was to use fresh, ripe eggplants and potatoes, as well as a blend of aromatic spices that would give the dish its rich, flavorful taste.

As we worked together to prepare the dish, my grandmother shared with me the story of how she had learned to make Vaangi Batata Masala. She told me that she had first tasted this dish at a friend's house many years ago and had begged the lady for the recipe. After much persuasion, the lady finally agreed to teach my grandmother how to make it.

My grandmother described how she had watched intently as the lady mixed the spices, chopped the vegetables, and cooked everything together in a large, heavy-bottomed pan. She told me that she had been amazed at how simple and yet delicious the dish was, and she had immediately known that she had to learn how to make it herself.

After that first taste, my grandmother had made Vaangi Batata Masala countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit her own tastes. Over the years, she had perfected the dish, making it a family favorite that we all looked forward to eating on special occasions.

As my grandmother and I finished cooking the dish together, the rich aroma of spices filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. My grandmother smiled at me as she ladled the steaming hot Vaangi Batata Masala onto our plates, telling me that I had done a wonderful job and that she was proud of me.

I took a bite of the dish and was immediately transported back to that first time I had tasted it with my grandmother. The flavors were just as I remembered – rich and savory, with a hint of sweetness from the caramelized onions and tomatoes. I knew then that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the time I had learned to cook it with my beloved grandmother.

Years have passed since that day in the kitchen with my grandmother, but the memory of learning to make Vaangi Batata Masala has stayed with me. I have made the dish countless times for my own family, passing down the recipe to my children and grandchildren, just as my grandmother had done for me.

As I sit here now, thinking back on that day and the many meals I have shared with my loved ones since then, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of this recipe. It has brought me closer to my family, connecting us through the shared experience of cooking and eating together.

And so, as I prepare to make Vaangi Batata Masala once again, I say a silent thank you to my grandmother for teaching me this recipe and for showing me the joy that can come from sharing a delicious meal with the ones you love.