Haahor Koni Aloo Pitika
A rustic and flavorful Assamese mashed potato dish made with boiled duck eggs, pungent mustard oil, and fresh herbs. This simple comfort food from Assam is incredibly satisfying and pairs perfectly with steamed rice and dal.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Boil Potatoes and Eggs
- b.Place the scrubbed potatoes and duck eggs in a large pot. Add enough water to cover them by at least an inch.
- c.Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- d.Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 15-20 minutes. The potatoes should be tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork, and the eggs should be hard-boiled.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Peel and Mash
- b.Carefully drain the hot water. You can place the eggs in a bowl of cold water for a few minutes to make them easier to handle.
- c.Once cool enough to touch, peel the skin from the warm potatoes and the shells from the hard-boiled eggs.
- d.In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm potatoes and eggs. Mash them together using a potato masher or a fork. Aim for a slightly coarse, rustic texture rather than a completely smooth puree.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine Ingredients
- b.To the mashed potato and egg mixture, add the finely chopped red onion, green chilies, and fresh coriander leaves.
- c.Drizzle the pungent mustard oil over the mixture and add salt to taste.
- d.Gently mix all the ingredients with a spoon or your hands until everything is well combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a good texture.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve
- b.Do a final taste test and adjust the salt or chili if necessary.
- c.Serve the Haahor Koni Aloo Pitika immediately while it's warm. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice (bhaat) and a simple lentil soup (dal).
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, use high-quality, pungent (jhaaj) mustard oil. It is the soul of this dish.
- 2Mashing the potatoes and eggs while they are still warm results in a fluffier and more cohesive pitika.
- 3If you enjoy a smoky flavor (pura goondh), you can char the green chilies and even a whole tomato over an open flame before chopping and adding them to the mash.
- 4For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh ginger or garlic.
- 5Always use fresh, crisp onions for the best texture and pungent bite.
- 6This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the raw onions can lose their crunch and become overpowering if left to sit for too long.
Adapt it for your goals.
Aloo Pitika (Vegan)
For a vegan version, simply omit the duck eggs. You can add roasted garlic cloves (mashed) to enhance the flavor.
Chicken Egg VersionChicken Egg Version
If duck eggs are unavailable, you can substitute them with an equal number of large chicken eggs. The flavor will be slightly less rich but still delicious.
Smoky PitikaSmoky Pitika
Roast a whole tomato and a few cloves of garlic on an open flame until the skin is charred. Peel and mash them along with the potatoes and eggs for a deep, smoky flavor.
With Fried FishWith Fried Fish
A popular variation involves mashing in a piece of fried or smoked fish (Masor Pitika) along with the potatoes for an added layer of flavor and protein.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in High-Quality Protein
Duck eggs are a fantastic source of complete protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance. They are often considered more nutrient-dense than chicken eggs.
Excellent Source of Energy
The complex carbohydrates in potatoes provide a steady release of energy, making this a fulfilling and satisfying dish that keeps you full for longer.
Contains Heart-Healthy Fats
Cold-pressed mustard oil is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
This dish offers a good profile of micronutrients, including Vitamin C and potassium from potatoes, Vitamin D and B12 from eggs, and antioxidants from the raw onions and coriander.
Frequently asked questions
It is a traditional and beloved comfort food from the Indian state of Assam. 'Haahor Koni' means duck egg, 'Aloo' means potato, and 'Pitika' refers to a mash. It's a simple, rustic mash of boiled potatoes and duck eggs flavored with raw onion, chilies, coriander, and pungent mustard oil.