Aloo Bachka
A rustic, smoky potato mash from rural Bihar where whole boiled potatoes are crushed with mustard oil, green chilies, and raw onions. The magic happens when you add the charred potato skins back in, giving this humble dish a deep, earthy flavor that tastes like a campfire. Best enjoyed with sattu paratha or plain rice and dal.
For 4 servings
- boil · ~15 min
Boil the potatoes with their skins.
Place the scrubbed potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until a knife slides in easily, about 12 to 15 minutes. Drain and let them cool just enough to handle.
TIPDon't peel before boiling — the skin protects the potato from getting waterlogged and keeps the flavor inside. - prep · ~2 min
Peel and char the potato skins.
Peel the warm potatoes carefully, saving the skins. Place the skins directly over an open flame or on a hot tawa. Roast until they darken and crisp in spots, giving them that essential smoky aroma. Set aside.
TIPThe charring is the soul of this dish. Skip the oven — direct flame gives the real earthy Bihari flavor. - mix · ~1 min
Mash the potatoes coarsely.
Put the peeled potatoes in a large bowl. Crush them roughly with your hands or the back of a spoon. You want a chunky, uneven texture with small lumps — not a smooth mash.
- mix · ~2 min
Combine everything and finish.
1.Add the chopped onion, green chilies, and grated ginger to the crushed potatoes.2.Crumble the charred potato skins over the mixture into small bits.3.Pour in the raw mustard oil and the lemon juice.4.Sprinkle salt and a pinch of red chili powder.5.Mix gently with your hands until everything is evenly distributed — the oil should coat all the potatoes and the charred skin flecks should be visible throughout. - garnish
Garnish and serve immediately.
Transfer to a serving bowl, scatter fresh coriander leaves on top, and serve at room temperature with sattu paratha, rice, or dal.
TIPAloo Bachka tastes best within an hour of making. The mustard oil punch mellows with time.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Scrub potatoes thoroughly before boiling to ensure the skins are clean for charring.
- 2Boil potatoes until just tender, not mushy, so they hold their shape for a chunky mash.
- 3Char the skins over a direct flame for the authentic campfire smokiness, not in an oven.
- 4Use raw, pungent mustard oil for its characteristic sharp kick that defines this Bihari dish.
- 5Crush the potatoes with your hands for an uneven, rustic texture that soaks up dressing better.
- 6Serve within an hour of making, as the mustard oil flavor mellows and the dish loses its fresh punch.
Adapt it for your goals.
Garlic & Herb
Add 2 crushed garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh mint along with the onion. The garlic adds pungency while mint brings a cooling, fresh counterpoint to the mustard oil heat.
High ProteinHigh-Protein
Fold in 1/2 cup of crumbled paneer or roasted chickpeas after mashing. This turns the dish into a more substantial meal with extra protein, ideal for a post-workout lunch.
Jain (No Onion No Garlic)Jain (No Onion No Garlic)
Skip the onion and increase the green chilies to 3, adding 1/4 cup of chopped raw mango (or pomegranate arils) for acidity and crunch. Keeps the dish authentic without proscribed ingredients.
Low OilLow-Oil
Reduce mustard oil to 1 teaspoon and replace the rest with a splash of water while mixing. The smoky skins and lemon juice still provide enough flavor, making it lighter for calorie-conscious eaters.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Resistant Starch
Potatoes boiled and then cooled (as in this dish) form resistant starch, which acts as a prebiotic and supports gut health by feeding beneficial bacteria.
Good Source of Vitamin C
Potatoes retain a significant amount of vitamin C when boiled with skins on, and the lemon juice adds an extra dose, supporting immune function.
Healthy Fats from Mustard Oil
Raw, cold-pressed mustard oil is high in monounsaturated fats and has antimicrobial properties, contributing to heart health and food preservation.
Contains Anti-Inflammatory Compounds
Ginger and green chilies both contain gingerol and capsaicin, which have anti-inflammatory effects and can aid in digestion.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but the dish will lose its essential smoky character. For a quick fix, add 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika or liquid smoke as a substitute.
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