Once during my trip to Rampur-Jhakri Hydropower Project, I happened to put up in Bayal Guesthouse close to the banks of the Sutlej. I used to frequent the kitchen and made friendship with the cook. The gentleman showed me the process of making Alu Guteka. He also taught me to cook Dahi Khumb (Traditional Himachali Mushroom Yogurt Curry).
Now, this time I had got some red baby potatoes sitting in my fridge which I used for making this Alu Guteka (Potato Fritters in Himachali Style). The onion and green chillies were also brought from a hilly village of Manipur. So, this dish can be called as Alu Guteka from the Himalayas.
I was planning a dinner one night when my darling daughter said that she wanted something unusual. I scratched my head for some time and came out with this super tasty Alu Guteka (potato fritters). I tried to recollect the taste of what I had in Bayal Guesthouse and then went ahead to prepare it. But, I always prefer tweaking a bit here and there to suit convenience and taste as well. So, I did this here too.
Let me share Alu Guteka recipe with you.
Ingredients:
1. Red Bay Potato – 400 g
2. Onion – 1 large
3. Green chili – 2 (Slit lengthwise)
4. Lemon juice – ½ lemon
5. Coriander powder – 1 tsp.
6. Cumin powder – ½ tsp.
7. Red chili powder – ½ tsp.
8. Turmeric powder – A pinch
9. Salt – Add to taste
10. Refined oil – 6 tbsp.
Processing and Preparation:
1. Boil baby potatoes with skin.
2. Keep in a colander to drain water.
3. After cooling take each potato and press between thumb and index fingers to break them. Keep aside smearing salt.
4. Heat oil in a wok and fry the potatoes till almost crisp and brown.
5. Reduce remaining oil from the wok and keep about a tbsp.
6. Slice the onion long and drop in oil.
7. Sauté till lightly fried.
8. Add slit green chilies and stir till aroma releases.
9. Add powdered spices and stir mix well.
10. Add the fried potatoes and stir mix.
11. Sprinkle a bit of water and mix everything well.
12. Reduce flame and cover.
13. Cook for only 3 minutes.
14. Open and stir again.
15. If required adjust seasoning further.
16. Take off heat and sprinkle lemon juice.
17. Stir once and transfer in a serving bowl.
18. Alu Guteka (Potato Fritters in Himachali Style) is ready.
Serve Alu Guteka as a snack. I served it in dinner with buttered bread toasts and homemade mutton kebabs. Mutton Kebab recipe will be shared soon.
It is an excellent snack and loved by all in the family.
Happy cooking regional recipes in a simple way.
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