Lemon Rice with Potato Podimas

Ingredients

• 500 g Potato (about 4 medium-sized)
• 250 g Onion (about 2 medium, finely chopped)
• 2 tbsp Sesame Oil (or any neutral vegetable oil)
• 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
• 1 tsp Urad Dal (split and skinned black gram)
• 3 pc Green Chili (slit lengthwise, adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp Ginger (finely grated)
• 1 sprig Curry Leaves (about 10-12 leaves)
• 0.25 tsp Hing (asafoetida)
• 0.5 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
• 2 tsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tbsp Coriander Leaves (finely chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain, let them cool slightly, then peel the skins. Using your hands or a fork, crumble the potatoes into coarse, bite-sized pieces. Do not mash them. Set aside.

2. 2

   Temper the Spices: Heat sesame oil in a wide pan or kadai over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter, which takes about 30 seconds. Immediately add the urad dal and sauté for about 1 minute until it turns a light golden brown, being careful not to burn it.

3. 3

   Sauté Aromatics: To the same pan, add the slit green chilies, grated ginger, curry leaves, and hing. Sauté for 30-40 seconds until the curry leaves are crisp and the aromatics are fragrant. Then, add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they become soft and translucent.

4. 4

   Combine and Cook: Add the turmeric powder and salt to the onions and mix well. Cook for 30 seconds. Now, add the crumbled potatoes to the pan. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the potatoes are evenly coated with the onion-spice mixture. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. 5

   Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat. Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the potatoes and sprinkle with finely chopped coriander leaves. Give it a final gentle mix. Serve the Potato Podimas hot as a side dish with rice and sambar or rasam.