Cumin potatoes with chile, turmeric, and herbs
Indian Jeera Aloo
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Indian Jeera Aloo
Cumin potatoes with chile, turmeric, and herbs
A simple skillet of cumin-scented potatoes that works as a side, breakfast, or light main with yogurt and flatbread.
15m
Prep Time
20m
Cook Time
35m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Jeera aloo is a useful dish because it is built from basic pantry and produce staples but still tastes distinct. Cumin and turmeric do a lot of work here, and the potatoes make it naturally comforting.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs potatoes, cubed
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 green chile, sliced
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
Instructions
- 1
Parboil the potatoes until just tender, then drain well.
- 2
Heat the oil and toast the cumin seeds until fragrant.
- 3
Add the potatoes, turmeric, and chile and cook until the edges crisp.
- 4
Season well and toss with cilantro.
- 5
Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with warm naan bread or basmati rice
Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime
Pair with a cooling cucumber raita on the side
Substitutions
Cumin seedsGround cumin
Ground cumin works in a pinch, though the flavor is less toasty and distinct
CilantroParsley
Parsley changes the feel slightly but still adds freshness
FlavorPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Garam Masala
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the spice blend matters
A better spice blend gives the recipe more rounded flavor without making you buy ten separate jars first.
This is often the pantry shortcut that makes the result taste more complete.
- Adds warmer depth quickly
- Useful across curries, lentils, and vegetable dishes
If you are cooking Indian food more than once, garam masala is a practical pantry anchor.
Shop garam masala for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Dry the potatoes well before they hit the pan so they brown instead of steam.
A squeeze of lemon at the end gives the dish extra lift.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in a hot skillet to bring back some crispness.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 serving) · 4 servings
Calories210
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein4g
Carbohydrates30g
Fat9g
Fiber4g
Sugar2g
Sodium120mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make it milder?
- Yes. Skip the chile and keep the cumin as the main flavor.
- What should I serve with it?
- Yogurt, dal, flatbread, or eggs all pair well.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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