When someone says they are baking, one would expect it to be a bread, cake, cookies, pretzels, etc but one would not expect a curry. My second post for this week is one such unconventional bake; potato fry. I roast potatoes once in a while when I am lazy to fire up the stove. Cut potatoes, toss with oil and spices, put it in the oven and voila, you have a perfectly roasted potatoes. I have posted roasted vegetables for last year’s bake-a-thon. I also roast potatoes in a similar fashion and did not want to do that. Then I thought why not make it a dry curry type and added some onions and green chilies to it. Though this is still similar to roasted vegetables, this looks more like a potato fry or dry curry and one would not know it is baked unless mentioned.

Bake time and temperature varies depending on the size of the potato pieces. I have baked potatoes at 400 F and at 425 F. Baking at these two levels worked for me but the bake time varied by few minutes. Potatoes need to be stirred 2-3 times during baking to ensure even baking. This would be a perfect way to make potato fry in large quantities or for a party when there is too much of stove top cooking.

Total Time: 43 – 50 minutes
Preparation: 5 – 10 minutes
Bake Time: 38 – 40 minutes
Serves: 3

Ingredients:

• 2 medium to large Potatoes, approx. 500grams
• 1 – 2 tbsp. Oil (check note below)
• ½ small – medium Onion, sliced (I used red onion)
• 1 Long Green Chili, cut into 4-5 pieces (opt.)
• 1 tsp. Chili Powder
• 1 tsp. Salt
• ½ tsp. Hot Madras Curry Powder
• 1 tsp. Coriander Powder
• ¼ – ½ tsp. Garlic Powder (I used ½ tsp)

Additional Seasoning

• ¼ tsp. Chili Powder (Add only if required and adjust to taste)
• ¼ – ½ tsp. Salt (adjust to taste)
• Cilantro chopped

Preparation:

• Preheat the oven to 425 F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and grease it.
• Peel and cut potatoes into cubes. I cut each potato into 30 – 36 pieces.
• Soak them in water until ready to use. This step can be skipped. This avoids the discoloration of potatoes and also helps remove some excess potato starch. I soaked for 30 minutes but can also soak for longer period. When ready to bake, remove potatoes from water and pat dry with paper towels.
• In bowl prepare the marinade by mixing together oil and all the spices except the ingredients listed under additional seasoning.
• Add potatoes, onions, green chilies to spiced oil and toss.
• Spread the potatoes on baking sheet, picking out the onions and chilies. Keep aside the onions and chilies. OR when tossing the potatoes with spices, do not add onions and chilies. Once the potatoes are arranged on the baking sheet, add onions and chilies to the bowl of spice mixture and toss to coat the spices. Keep aside.
• Bake potatoes in preheated oven, middle rack for 38 – 40 minutes or until potatoes are soft and evenly baked, stirring 2-3 times in between. I stirred 12 minutes, 24 minutes and 32 minutes into baking.
• Twelve minutes into baking, add onion and green chilies to baking sheet, toss the potatoes and continue baking. Do not forgot to stir 24, and 32 minutes into baking.
• Remove from the oven, taste and add more seasoning if required. I sprinkled ingredients listed under additional seasoning and mixed well. When served with rice, these potatoes were moderately spiced.
• Serve with rice or as a side dish, with roasted / baked chicken or meats. These can also be served as a snack.

Note:

• Oil – I used 2 tbsp. of oil when baking these potatoes but I have also baked with 1 – 1 ½ tbsp. of oil. I would recommend 2 tbsp. oil. I personally prefer more oil in potatoes as this gives potatoes a crispy surface.
• Onions – I usually do not add onions but this I did as I wanted replace potato fry. Onions were brown, almost burnt. I liked caramelized, browned onion but if one does not like it, onions can be added 15 – 18 minutes into baking or leave it out.
• Temperature & Bake Time – Temperatures vary from oven to oven. When baking for the first time, keep an eye on the potatoes in during the last few minutes of baking. Also, baking time varies depending on the size of the potato pieces. I have baked potatoes at 400 F and at 425 F. Baking at these levels worked for me but the bake time varied by few minutes. Check the potatoes and bake for a longer time if required.
• Spices – I used garlic powder but fresh minced garlic can also be used though I prefer powder for this bake. Cumin powder can also added to enhance flavor.

This day in 2014: Jalebi from Uttar Pradesh

Check out the Blogging Marathon page for the other Blogging Marathoners doing BM# 51