Poori and Aloo Jhol

The dish I am sharing with you tonight is one of the top ten dishes of almost every Indian worth his salt. If someone says the don’t like this, or have fond memories of this dish I will find it REALLY difficult to trust them. Heck..let’s just say there’s a lesser chance of getting on as friends or you being my BFF. Imagine waking up to the smell of a tempering of mustard seeds, asafoetida and red chillies…mouth watering is it?

And then you sit down all bundled up in your woolens while mom brings you a bowl of piping hot Aloo jhol ( potato curry/stew). But it isn’t over yet. This potato curry needs a perfect companion and there is no flatbread in the world that can compete with the absolute awesomeness that is these puffed up deep fried golden poori-s. One quickly tears a part of the garma garam(hot) poori and dips it in the aloo jhol, and relishes it with some chatpatta (tangy) mango pickle and some cool peach mint lassi.

What I feel when I savour this simple meal is inexplicable. But here’s what I do know. This meal takes me back to my home, transports me to that nostalgic route where laughter and innocence rules and the love of simple good food trumps every styling trick we now give in to. This is still the comfort food I give in to on cold,rainy nights, on winter mornings, on special days when I am feeling rather forlorn and on happy occasions too! Master this one meal and no guest of yours will go disappointed. So if you must learn only one Indian curry, let it be this. And these instant No Yeast Garlic Naan!!! SO SO good.Impressed my entire in laws clan single-handedly with this naan, proof its really good 😛 

Talking of simple home cooked meals, this is what a “Thaali” or platter at my home looks like. Typical Indian fare : pulao, dal (lentil), paneer butter masala, this aloo jhol, raita , matar kachori (peas stuffed poori) and slow cooked rice pudding( kheer).

Takes hardly 30 mins to finish both, is amazingly flavorful (thanks mustard oil) and very child friendly. While you are at it, you can also try my Green peas & dry fruits Pulao (its really easy, quick and so delicious).

So quit fretting about your weight or the diet. Remember, life is too short to not eat what you want. The key is balance. So eat these, and exercise!! Now go make these fabulous puffed deep fried ( gasp!) pooris and the best EVER Aloo jhol (spicy potato stew) and don’t let ANYONE ever stop you from eating or doing what you want.

Its mid- January already..Let’s make it count!

Xo,

S.