Aloo Makha
A rustic Bengali comfort dish of potatoes roughly mashed with pungent mustard oil, fresh green chilies, and a sprinkle of salt. Simple, bold, and soul-satisfying, this no-fuss mash pairs perfectly with steamed rice and dal for an everyday meal that hits all the right notes.
For 4 servings
- boil · ~20 min
Boil the potatoes until fork-tender.
Place whole potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a rolling boil and cook until a knife or fork slides in easily, about 15-20 minutes depending on size.
TIPBoiling potatoes with the skin on prevents them from getting waterlogged, keeping the texture fluffy. - prep · ~5 min
Peel and roughly mash the potatoes.
Drain the water and let the potatoes cool just enough to handle. Peel the skins off while they are still warm, then roughly mash them with your hands or a fork in a mixing bowl. The texture should be chunky, not a smooth puree.
TIPDon't over-mash. The rustic, uneven texture with small lumps is what makes Aloo Makha so satisfying. - mix · ~1 min
Mix in the mustard oil, onions, chilies, and salt.
Pour the raw mustard oil over the warm mashed potatoes. Add the finely chopped onion, slit green chilies, and a pinch of salt. Fold everything together gently until the onions and chilies are evenly distributed.
TIPWarm potatoes absorb the mustard oil much better. Mixing by hand brings out a better flavor than using a spoon. - serve
Serve immediately with steamed rice and dal.
Transfer to a serving bowl. Enjoy the aloo makha while it's still warm as a side to plain rice and musur dal, with a wedge of lime on the side.
TIPA drizzle of extra raw mustard oil on top just before serving intensifies the signature pungency that Bengalis love.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Boil potatoes with the skin on to keep them fluffy and prevent waterlogging.
- 2Peel and mash the potatoes while they are still warm for better oil absorption.
- 3Use a fork or your hands for a chunky mash—avoid over-mashing for the best rustic texture.
- 4Let the mustard oil coat the warm potatoes thoroughly for a pungent, authentic kick.
- 5Slit green chilies lengthwise for milder heat or chop finely for more spice.
- 6Serve immediately after mixing; reheating dulls the fresh mustard oil flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herbed aloo makha
Add a handful of fresh chopped coriander or curry leaves for a herby freshness, balancing the heat and oil.
crunchy aloo makhaCrunchy aloo makha
Fold in chopped roasted peanuts or cashews for a nutty crunch, perfect for texture contrast.
veganVegan
This dish is already vegan, but substitute mustard oil with a neutral oil if it's unavailable.
spicy aloo makhaSpicy aloo makha
Increase the green chilies to 4-5 or add a pinch of red chili flakes for extra heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Resistant Starch
Potatoes cooked and then cooled (or eaten warm) contain resistant starch, which supports gut health and improves digestion.
Source of Vitamin C
Potatoes provide a good amount of vitamin C, essential for immune function and skin health.
Healthy Fats from Mustard Oil
Mustard oil is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3, which support heart health.
Low-Calorie Side Dish
With minimal ingredients and no heavy cream or butter, this dish is a light yet satisfying option for everyday meals.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but the authentic pungent flavor comes from raw mustard oil. Use a neutral oil like sunflower or avocado as a substitute.
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