Baby Potatoes Cooked in Tangy Tamarind Sauce (South Indian Style) AND a Tribute to my Mom!

Have I ever mentioned how good a cook my mom is??!?! Well, she is an amazing cook to say the least!!!!! She loves experimenting and trying out new recipes and cuisines. When my parents were newly married, about 30 years back.... they lived in Pune for a while and that was when she was introduced to North Indian food. I believe she used to collect Chaat recipes from the gaadi walaas or neighbors and try them at home without letting the elders of the family know about it.... Those were the times when eating onions was also considered a sin in an orthodox, south indian, brahmin family like ours!!! :D She's been into experimenting and trying out new stuff ever since.... She even bought a conventional oven about 15 years back and tried her hand at baking eggless cakes, chocolates, puddings.... She makes a zillion kinds of yummy juices, soups....and a lot more. Most of the recipes I have here on my blog are also hers!! My mom is not just a wonderful cook but also a wonderful human being. Shez always been there for me, supporting me when I needed her emotionally, listening to all my silly college stories after I got back home from college.... helping me choose the right ear-ring for that particular dress to wear to a party.... Standing and knocking at my bedroom door for long hours when I would shut the door at her after a fight....I remember the time when I got my first job.... She was as excited as me and she could listen to me for hours, about the 30 min interview I had just cleared !!!! She has been my best friend and companion ever!!! I fall short of words to express my feelings..... The least I could say is, Thank you for everything, Mom!!! Friends, please join me in thanking all moms for their sacrifices and the never ending patience 'n love that they show towards us........... I love you, Mom!! It doesn't have to be Mother's day or any other special occasion to thank your mom, does it?? :)

Coming to the recipe....... This recipe is also from my mom. Not too sure where she got the recipe from or what cuisine it is, but I relish it thoroughly!!! This dish can be served as a starter or aa a side dish with rotis. Its a very simple dish and takes very few ingredients that are commonly available in any south indian pantry. Here's the recipe.. Enjoi!

I just realized that Mansi of Food and Fun is hosting this event for Game Night Party Recipes and I will be sending across this recipe to her for this wonderful event... Thanx for hosting, Mansi!!

This one is also going out to Sia from Monsoon Spice for the Ode to Potato event!! You guys should check out this post of her's on potatoes.... Very informative, that one! Thanx Sia.

Ingredients:

8-10 Baby Potatoes (Choose smaller potatoes among the lot)

1 tsp Rasam powder (any brand that you have in your pantry)

3/4 tsp Tamarind paste OR lemon sized tamarind pulp

1-2 tsp Jaggery

1-2 tsp Oil

1/2 tsp Mustard/Jeera seeds

1/2 tsp Urad dal seeds

1/2 tbsp Finely chopped Red Onions

2-3 strands Cilantro finely Chopped

A pinch of haldi

Salt as per taste

Method:

1. Pressure cook baby potatoes in salt and water on medium heat until 1 whistle OR until completely cooked but still firm; Make sure you add enough salt while cooking.
2. Soak the tamarind in a small cup of warm water and keep aside for some time; Meanwhile, peel the cooked potatoes.
3. Heat oil in a heat bottomed pan and temper with jeera,haldi and urad dal. Add the cooked potatoes and saute well.
4. Add tamarind juice, rasam powder, jaggery; Simmer and cook covered for about 10 mins or until the potatoes are coated well with the masala. Saute once in a while; Add salt as required. Adjust the taste of tamarind and jaggery according to your wish.
5. Remove from stove; Garnish with chopped onions, cilantro and serve hot with rotis or as a starter!!

Serves: 2 people; Serving size: about 4-5 potatoes

Prep time: About 30-40 mins, including pressure cooking and my photo session!! ;)

Closer look at my all-time favorite dish....