| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 175 | 3g | 0.5g | 33g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 4g | 4g | 0.4g |
From tropical shores to the dusty, spice-filled markets of India, my love for global cuisines are embodied in this delightful dish, the Spiced Cumin Potatoes. This dish is a beautiful symphony of flavors, textures, and sights from divergent culinary traditions. As someone with a deep-rooted appreciation for cooking and a passion for showcasing the vibrancy of multi-cultural tastes right on a platter, I hold this Caribbean staple high within my repertoire of favorite recipes.
From the Dance Floor to the Kitchen
As a dance teacher, I frequently draw parallels between the fluidity of salsa or the rhythm of flamenco, and combining disparate culinary elements to form a cohesive, delicious medley of flavors. It is an art, much akin to choreographing a dance sequence, to balance the intense burst of cumin seeds with the aromatic hints of turmeric and paprika. The kick of garam masala, the zesty tang of lemon juice, and the freshness of cilantro all play their parts on this gastronomic stage. It’s simple, hearty, and a reflection of my love for fusion cooking, bringing a slice of Caribbean flair into an Indian classic.
Why Spiced Cumin Potatoes?
This dish is not just pleasing to the palate, but also packed with a wealth of health benefits. Potatoes, often underappreciated, are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Cumin is celebrated for its digestive properties. The assortment of spices, including turmeric and garam masala, are reputed for their anti-inflammatory benefits. Even the lemon juice lends a dose of Vitamin C. It’s a flavor powerhouse that truly nourishes from within, much like a dance that invigorates the soul.
This yummy Spiced Cumin Potatoes dish echoes similar tones to a Spanish ‘Patatas Bravas’, but with a sprinkle of tropical magic and Indian spice enlightenment. It pairs beautifully with my homemade vegan chunky guacamole or a Cuban black beans dish. Picture this – an intimate gathering of friends with some Caribbean music, a plate full of these golden, spiced gems, and perhaps, a glass of my tropical mango margherita.
This recipe, much like a good salsa rhythm, is a vibrant celebration of flavors that spans beyond borders, – a testament to the beauty of sharing culinary traditions. My heart beats for this fusion of cultures in a dish as does the rhythm of the music when I teach my dance classes – it is a vibrant celebration that brings us closer together.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of baby potatoes
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of garam masala
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 teaspoons of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro
Method
Step One
Start by washing the baby potatoes thoroughly. Leave the skins on if desired. Place the potatoes in a large pot, add water until the potatoes are just covered. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and let the potatoes cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. After they’re done, drain the potatoes and keep them aside.
Step Two
While the potatoes are boiling, take a large skillet and heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds to the hot oil and roast for about a minute until they become aromatic.
Step Three
To the skillet, add the turmeric, paprika, garam masala, black pepper, and salt. Stir the mixture well to evenly combine the spices. Cook the spice mixture for a few seconds, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.
Step Four
Add the boiled potatoes to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring that the potatoes are thoroughly coated in the spice mixture. Continue to cook and stir the potatoes for 5-7 minutes, or until they start to become crispy on the outside.
Step Five
Once done, turn off the heat. Drizzle the lemon juice all over the potatoes and give them one final toss. Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro on top. Your Spiced Cumin Potatoes are now ready to be served. Enjoy!
