Konkani Batata Song (Potato with Red Chilies, Coconut and Tamarind)

For many foodies, a simple no fuss meal would definitely feature potatoes as an important ingredient. Potatoes have attained that distinction of being a perfect comfort food- thanks to numerous easy yet delicious recipes that can be made using it.

Konkani cuisine is replete with numerous such comfort foods. Since we have been discussing about Potatoes or Batata, how can we forget the modest preparation of Batata Song which is an integral recipe in a repertoire of an avid Konkani foodie.

Konkan coastal food has some prime ingredients to which it attributes its unique taste to like – coconut, tamarind and chilies beside others. Batata Song/Saung makes use of all 3 ingredients and is a bright red colored thick curried preparation. It derives the color from the generous usage of Byadagi chilies (originate from Byadagi in Karnataka) that imparts red color to dish and is mildly spicy than its other heat inducing compatriots. Some version of this dish may skip coconut altogether and just use chilies and tamarind. However, I like this preparation of Batata Song which has some sweetness due to coconut.

Dish is a perfect amalgamation of flavors with spiciness of chilies, mild sweetness of coconut and sourness of tamarind. The dish is easy to make and pairs up so very well with rice-flour bhakri that it would become your go-to comfort meal for your lazy Sunday afternoons

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Konkani Batata Song (Potato with Red Chilies, Coconut and Tamarind)

Prep time:  15 mins

Cook time:  25 mins

Total time:  40 mins

Serves: 3-4

Ingredients

• 350 grams Boiled Potatoes (cut into cubes)
• 1 medium sized Onion-finely chopped
• 5 Byadagi dried red chilies (less spicy)
• 2 dried red chilies (spicy)
• 1 marble sized tamarind ball
• 1 tbsp Coriander Seeds
• 2 tbsp fresh coconut-grated
• Coconut Oil
• Salt

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tsp coconut oil in a pan. Add whole Coriander Seeds and dried Red Chilies. Roast until the spices releases an aroma. Allow the spices to cool down.
2. Add roasted spices,tamarind ball and grated coconut in a grinder jar. Add some water and grind into a fine paste.
3. Heat 3 tbsp. Coconut Oil in a pan. Add chopped Onions and fry until Onions turn brown in color.
4. Now add Masala Paste and fry. Add Salt to taste. You can use water while frying masala paste.
5. Bhunao masala for 4-5 mins. We have used ¼th cup of water for bhunao. Add Boiled Potatoes and mix well.
6. Cook for 5-6 mins on low heat.
7. Batate Song is ready to be served. Batata Song can be relished with Rice flour Bhakri or wheat flour roti.

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