Aloo Seddha
Simple, rustic Bengali-style boiled potatoes mashed with mustard oil, green chilies, and a sprinkle of salt. This no-fuss comfort dish is a staple in every Bengali household, often enjoyed with warm rice and a drizzle of raw mustard oil for that signature pungent kick.
For 4 servings
- prep
Wash the potatoes thoroughly.
Scrub the potatoes well under running water. Do not peel them; the skin helps prevent waterlogging during boiling.
- pressure cook · ~20 min
Boil the potatoes until fork-tender.
Place the whole potatoes in a pressure cooker or large pot. Add enough water to cover them completely. If using a pressure cooker, cook for 3-4 whistles on medium heat. If boiling in a pot, cook for 15-20 minutes until a fork slides in easily.
TIPTest doneness with a fork — if it slides in and out without resistance, the potatoes are perfectly boiled. - rest · ~5 min
Drain and let the potatoes cool slightly.
Drain the hot water immediately. Let the potatoes rest for 5 minutes until they are cool enough to handle but still warm. Peel off the skins while they are still warm — they come off much easier.
TIPPeeling warm potatoes is easiest. The skin slips off with gentle pressure. - mix · ~2 min
Mash the potatoes and mix with the seasonings.
1.Transfer the peeled, warm potatoes to a large mixing bowl.2.Roughly mash them with your fingers or a fork — leave some small chunks for texture.3.Add 1 tablespoon mustard oil, the pinch of salt, chopped green chilies, and half the chopped onion.4.Mix vigorously by hand for 30 seconds until the oil and seasonings are evenly distributed.TIPMashing by hand gives the authentic rustic texture Bengalis love. The warmth of the potatoes helps the mustard oil's pungency mellow beautifully. - assemble
Finish with a drizzle of raw mustard oil and serve.
Transfer the seddha aloo to a serving bowl. Make a small well in the center and pour in the remaining 1 tablespoon of raw mustard oil. Scatter the rest of the chopped onion and coriander leaves over the top. Serve warm or at room temperature with hot steamed rice.
TIPThe raw mustard oil drizzle at the end is non-negotiable — it's the signature finish that defines Aloo Seddha.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Boil potatoes with skin on to prevent them from becoming waterlogged and mushy.
- 2Peel the potatoes while they are still warm — the skin slides off effortlessly.
- 3Mash by hand, not with a masher, to retain some chunky texture for rustic authenticity.
- 4Use cold-pressed mustard oil for its characteristic pungent aroma and bold flavor.
- 5Add the first tablespoon of mustard oil while the potatoes are warm so it mellows and absorbs evenly.
- 6Let the finished dish rest for 5 minutes before serving so the flavors meld together.
- 7Adjust the number of green chilies to control heat without overwhelming the potato flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
This recipe is already naturally vegan. Substitute mustard oil with any neutral oil if you prefer a milder flavor, but keep the final raw drizzle for authenticity.
low oilLow-oil
Reduce the mustard oil to 1 tablespoon total, using it only for the final drizzle. The dish stays flavorful from the chilies and onion.
herb forwardHerb-forward
Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh dill or mint along with the coriander for a refreshing herbal twist.
protein packedProtein-packed
Fold in 1/4 cup of crumbled paneer or boiled, mashed chickpeas for extra protein while keeping the Bengali character.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Resistant Starch
Boiled and cooled potatoes contain resistant starch, which supports gut health and improves blood sugar response.
Good Source of Vitamin C
Potatoes provide vitamin C, especially when boiled with their skins on, supporting immune function.
Low in Calories and Fat
This simple dish uses minimal oil, making it a light, satisfying option compared to fried or heavy preparations.
Contains Anti-inflammatory Compounds
Cold-pressed mustard oil is rich in allyl isothiocyanate, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but waxy or all-purpose potatoes (like Yukon Gold or red potatoes) hold their shape best and create a creamy yet chunky mash.



