Tallele Batate Upkari / Potato Fries Bhaji.

“Tallele Batate Upkari / Potato Fries Bhaji” … A delicious side dish that goes very well as an accompaniment along with other dishes. Here the potatoes are deep fried and then prepared into upkari / bhaji … Had enjoyed this at many functions in Mangalore … Yummiclicious .....

I have tasted this often during functions and had always wanted to try out the same. It is in vogue in the last few years in Konkani community … Here is my own method of preparing this dish. I have tried to recollect my taste of the same while relishing and prepared it to the best of my knowledge. I found the outcome of this dish very delicious. Here the potatoes are deep fried and then seasoned and tossed in some dry masala powders. I loved this as a side dish. Will not run into details, as I have absolutely no knowledge how this dish came about. I just had it at a few functions both in Mangalore and Mumbai. I was reluctant to prepare this a few years back as it is deep fried and yes its loaded with calories. But after starting my own blog, I also have to think in positive way about others who want me to share in these recipes. After all children love to have such dishes and Mothers joy lies in her child's happiness. Go ahead all Mom’s try this out, you can spice it up the way you wish and keeping in mind your child's taste levels. Once in a way everything is fine, so serve this awesome dish as sort of incentive to your child when he / she gets good marks or wins a medal at studies or just to please them. Yummilicious … yep that is what for sure your kid will say. And also be prepared to have more of demand for this one from children and also the other family members. 

** Peel off the skin of 4 large sized potatoes and cut them into medium sized strips. Soak them in water for 10 mins. Rinse well and drain off all excess water. Spread the potato strips on a thick cotton cloth and allow to dry for another 15 mins. Please check the picture below.

** Heat plenty of oil in a thick kadai. When it reaches smoking point, lower the heat and after 3-4 mins. add in some of the potato strips and fry on medium flame till evenly browned and crisp. Remove on a absorbent paper. Continue in batches with the remaining potato strips in similar manner. When all are done keep it aside ready.

** Heat a thick bottomed kadai. When hot add in 1 tsp of edible oil and add in 1 tsp of mustard seeds (Rai / Sasam), when they begin to splutter add in the ½ tsp of jeera and 8-10 curry leaves, fry for few seconds. Lower the heat to minimum and add in a pinch of haldi / turmeric powder, 1 tsp of Kashmiri red chilly powder, ½ tsp of hing / asafoetida powder, ¼ tsp of dhania ~ jeera (Coriander ~ Cumin) powder and mix well. 

** Note : You can increase the amount of chilly powder depending upon individual taste. I have added in minimum as this dish I feel will not be very appealing if done spicy. You can enjoy this one for sure on medium spice level.

**  Note : Also use kashmiri chilly powder or any chilly powder that is brick red in colour as it imparts a beautiful colour.

**  Note : You can also add in a pinch of amchur powder, it will tastes yummy, if you like a little bit of tartness. I have not added as I do not keep amchur powder at home. Next time may be I will. 

** Now add in the deep fried potato strips and mix well. Add salt to taste and toss well. Cover and let heat on low fire for 3-4 mins. 

** “Tallele Batate Upkari / Potato Fries Bhaji” is done and ready to be served. Serve this immediately as a side dish along with other dishes. This one is a little bit loaded with calories, so go easy on the same. But children are sure to love them, so do try this out and see them beeming with happiness as they munch on.