A staple in Tamil Brahmin weddings, Potato Podi Curry, or Urulai Kizhangu Kara Curry, holds a special place in Tamil Brahmin cuisine. This flavourful and spicy potato curry is made without onions and garlic, making it suitable for festive occasions. 

Potato Podi Curry 

Ingredients:

For the potatoes:

• 4-5 medium-sized potatoes
• ¼ tsp turmeric powder
• ¼ tsp asafoetida powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves 
• 1 tbsp oil
• 2 tsp mustard seeds
• 10-12 curry leaves

For the Podi Powder

• 2 tbsp coriander seeds
• 2 tbsp chana dal (split Bengal gram)
• 2 tbsp urad dal
• 2 tbsp fennel seeds
• 2 tbsp black peppercorn
• 2-3 tbsp Kashmiri chilli powder
• ¼ tsp fenugreek seeds

Method:

• Wash the potatoes thoroughly. This curry will have unpeeled potatoes, so make sure the potatoes are cleaned. 
• Chop the potatoes into small, bite-sized pieces. Drop the potatoes in cold water to avoid oxidisation.
• In the meantime, heat a small skillet and dry roast the ingredients for the podi powder one by one, until they are crisp. Keep aside and let them cool.
• Once cool, grind the spices to a fine powder. Keep aside.
• In a large saucepan, add about 4-5 cups of water, add ¼ tsp turmeric and some salt and once the water comes to a rolling boil, add the potatoes and cook the potatoes until they are about 80% done, stirring occasionally.
• Check to see if the potatoes are done. This can be done by taking a piece and pressing it with your finger. If you can mash it with your fingers, it is cooked. At this point remove the potatoes from the saucepan, drain them and keep aside.
• Heat about 2-3 tbsp oil in a large pan and once warm add in the mustard seeds. When the mustard seeds pop, add in the curry leaves and mix. 
• Now add in the asafoetida powder and once that is mixed, add in the drained potatoes.  Season with salt.
• Add the podi powder and Kashmiri red chilli and mix gently.
• On a low flame let the potatoes finish cooking. This should take about 7-10 minutes. 
• Serve the potato podi curry with any South Indian meal.