Dum Aloo facts for kids
Dum Aloo
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| Alternative names | Aloor Dum |
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| Course | Main |
| Place of origin | India |
| Region or state | Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal of India |
| Associated national cuisine | India, Bangladesh |
| Main ingredients | Potato, Indian spices, Ginger, Garlic, Onion |
Dum Aloo (also spelled as Dam Aloo) or Aloor Dum is a delicious potato curry dish. It is very popular in India and Bangladesh. The name "Dum Aloo" comes from two words: "Dum" means slow-cooked, and "aloo" means potato. So, it's a dish of slow-cooked potatoes!
This special curry comes from the Kashmir Valley in Jammu and Kashmir, India. It's a traditional part of Kashmiri Pandit cooking. Besides the Kashmiri style, there are also other tasty versions. For example, you can find different types of Dum Aloo in places like Varanasi and West Bengal.
Contents
How Dum Aloo is Made
Making Dum Aloo involves a few steps to get its rich flavor.
Preparing the Potatoes
First, small potatoes are usually chosen for this dish. They are peeled and then carefully deep-fried. This step makes the potatoes slightly crispy on the outside. It also helps them soak up all the flavors later.
Making the Gravy
The gravy is the creamy sauce that the potatoes cook in. There are different ways to make it:
- In the Kashmiri style, the gravy is often made with Yogurt or a milk product called khoya. Sometimes, a paste made from cashew nuts is added. This makes the gravy thick and creamy.
- The Banarasi version, from Varanasi, uses tomatoes and onions for its gravy base.
Adding Spices
Many different spices are added to the gravy to give Dum Aloo its unique taste. Common spices include:
- Red chilies, for a little bit of heat.
- Garlic and Ginger, for a strong, warm flavor.
- Cardamom and Fennel, for a sweet and aromatic touch.
Slow Cooking
After the gravy is ready, the fried potatoes are added to it. The dish is then cooked slowly over a low flame. This "dum" cooking method allows the potatoes to soak up all the delicious flavors from the gravy. It also makes them very tender.
Serving Dum Aloo
Once cooked, Dum Aloo can be decorated with fresh Coriander leaves. It is often served with Naan, which is a type of flatbread. People also enjoy it with Rice.
