Batate Gojju ( Potato Dip)

Have you ever heard of a potato dip??? Yes, this is nothing new. Where I come from, gojjus as we call these dips have been a traditional accompaniment to our meals for time immemorial. This particular one is another one of my mother-in-law's recipes that is one my husband's favorites! It is yogurt-based, like a raita. If you don't like/want to use yogurt, you could skip it and make it without yogurt. It is tangy, yummy  and hearty.It is quick and easy to make and makes for a great meal accompaniment! I am bringing this dish to all my wonderful friends at Angie's Fiesta Friday! Selma@ Selma's table and Elaine@Foodbod are co-hosts this week!

Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

Potatoes: 2, boiled and peeled.
Green chillies: 2-3
Salt: 1/2 tsp ( adjust as per taste)
Tamarind pulp: 1/8 tsp
Jaggery: 1/4 tsp
Freshly grated coconut: 2 tbsp
Hing( asofoetida ): a pinch if powder, 1/8 tsp if solution.
Water : 1/4cup
Yogurt: 1 cup ( optional)
Cilantro: 1 tbsp ( for garnishing)

For tempering:

Coconut oil: 1 tsp
Mustard :1/2 tsp
Dried Red chillies: 2
Curry leaves: 1 sprig

Method:

In a mortar and pestle, grind together green chillies and salt. Add the grated coconut,tamarind, jaggery and grind.Now add the peeled potatoes. Add water little at time as needed and grind until the potatoes are all mashed.

Take this in a bowl. Add asofoetida.

 You could stop at this step and proceed to tempering if you wish to skip the addition of yogurt.

Now add the yogurt, mix well.

Tempering:
In a small frying pan, heat coconut oil, add mustard seeds. Once the mustard seeds splutter, add in the red chillies and curry leaves. Turn of the flame. Add this to the above bowl.

Garnish with coriander leaves.

Serve cold or at room temperature. Usually served with steamed rice.

Cooking made easy:

When you need cooked potatoes instantaneously, you could use the microwave to cook them. Just clean the potatoes, prick them using a fork. Place it in the microwave and cook it for 3 mins. Turn them over and cook for another 3 mins. Well cooked potatoes are ready. Let them rest for a couple of minutes before taking it out of the oven.

Tip for healthy living:

Using gloves while washing dishes can help prevent dry and cracked skin of the hands. Also use some kind of moisturizer/ hand cream after doing household chores like washing dishes, mopping etc .

Food for thought:

God is the tangential point between zero and infinity. Alfred Jarry