Fall

Smashed Indian Potatoes with Lazy Raita

January 31, 2010
4
2 Ratings
Photo by Cara Cannella
  • Serves 6-8
Author Notes

These smashed potatoes are full of Indian flavors, and, served with a dollop of raita, they make a truly yummy side dish (or even vegetarian main course)! I make variations on this recipe for the wee ones that I nanny and they think these healthy potatoes are delicious! I hope you do too! —Helenthenanny

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Ingredients
  • Lazy Raita
  • 1 cup Plain Yogurt (I used non-fat Greek Yogurt)
  • 1/2 Cucumber, peeled, seeded, and minced
  • a few sprigs of cilantro, chopped small
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • black pepper to taste
  • Smashed Indian Potatoes
  • 2 large russet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1" chunks
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced small
  • 2 cups cauliflower, broken into small florets
  • 1 1/2 cups frozen peas
  • about 5 tablespoons or so of olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala spice blend
  • 2 teaspoons ground fenugreek seed
  • 2 teaspoons ground turmeric root
  • 2 teaspoons whole yellow mustard seed
  • 2 teaspoons whole cumin seed
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 handful fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped
  • juice of one lemon
  • salt and pepper to taste
Directions
  1. Boil potatoes until tender. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, cook olive oil, garlic, onions, cauliflower, garam masala, fenugreek, turmeric, mustard seeds, cumin seed, red pepper flakes, and fresh ginger over medium heat. Stir until seasonings are well distributed. Salt and Pepper to taste. Cook until onions are translucent and cauliflower is almost tender. Add peas and cook for five more minutes. You may need to add a little more olive oil if things start to look dry.
  3. Add the vegetables and potatoes to a big bowl and stir until well combined. I stir quite vigorously, so that the potatoes get all smashed up.
  4. Add the chopped cilantro and lemon juice last and stir again. Salt and Pepper to taste and serve!
  5. To make the Lazy Raita: Combine ingredients and stir until well combined. Serve alongside or atop the potatoes and enjoy!
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17 Reviews

susan B. February 29, 2012
hi, i made this dish tonight and it was delicious! i used coconut oil instead of olive (my latest obsession). and i mashed the potatoes up a bit in the pot and just added them into big sauce pan with the cauliflower etc. nice to have one less bowl. for the raita i used a seedless cuke and grated it, worked well. delicious recipe, thanks! i referred to it as "deconstructed samosas" :)
mary A. February 20, 2012
These really are incredible with and without the raita. Also very easy to make. Pretty much made as is except I used yukon gold potatoes, black mustard seeds, and mustard oil which is commonly used in Indian cooking.
NicoleQ23 December 22, 2010
This recipe is off the CHAIN! I made this on Monday along with my version of Chole Saag, packed it into frozen lunches, and I've been eating it all wk. I cant get enough. It freezes really well and I had enough to make five frozen lunches when combined with the Saag. Soo so good. The cauliflower is the superior touch, in my opinion. If you like spinach, Saag of any kind would be an amazing partner to your dish. Here's the link to mine if you're interested! http://www.food52.com/recipes/8429_totally_not_intimidating_saag
Rivercook October 17, 2010
absolutely loved these potatoes..and the raita is excellent as well..thanks for a great dish!
Helenthenanny October 17, 2010
thank you so much, i'm so glad!
AntoniaJames February 4, 2010
Okay, so I'm really curious about one thing. What makes the raita "lazy"? Isn't that how everyone makes it? I'd probably add some salt, and in the summer, some diced tomato. What else would you do if you weren't lazy? The potatoes look so yummy. I plan to make some, soon!!
Helenthenanny February 5, 2010
Ha! My Raita is lazy because I've never actually looked at a recipe for Raita, not even before I wrote mine down. I just guess at it when I make mine and I call it lazy just in case anyone might wonder, " Woah, whats the deal with her Raita?" Mine is good and simple, so I've never bothered to get to the bottom of it, but adding tomatoes in the summer sounds really lovely! So, to answer the second part: If I weren't lazy, I would read : ) Haha! Thank you, and I hope you like my potatoes!
NakedBeet February 3, 2010
Love!
Helenthenanny February 4, 2010
Thank you!
lastnightsdinner February 1, 2010
This looks and sounds fantastic!
Helenthenanny February 1, 2010
Thank you lastnightsdinner! These compliments are really really nice to come home to after a long day!
theicp February 1, 2010
I love love love the flavors you've used in this. Oh, and I'm a sucker for green peas. This is an awesome recipe, girl.
Helenthenanny February 1, 2010
Haha, I guess I'm a little Katie-bar-the-door when it comes to spices, but I think they come together nicely in this one. I'm glad you have my back, ICP! Thanks : )
Jennifer A. February 1, 2010
Sounds wonderful - I am going to add this one to my recipe box.
Helenthenanny February 1, 2010
Thank you Jennifer Ann, I hope you like them : )
melissav January 31, 2010
This sounds divine.
Helenthenanny February 1, 2010
thank you melissav!