Kid-friendly Indian Spiced Potato "Aloo Gobi" Extravaganza+Sweet Cilantro Rice+Fruitful Mango Chutney Recipe - Sticky Fingers Cooking
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Family Meal Plan: Indian Spiced Potato "Aloo Gobi" Extravaganza + Sweet Cilantro Rice + Fruitful Mango Chutney

Family Meal Plan: Indian Spiced Potato "Aloo Gobi" Extravaganza+Sweet Cilantro Rice+Fruitful Mango Chutney

Indian Spiced Potato "Aloo Gobi" Extravaganza + Sweet Cilantro Rice + Fruitful Mango Chutney

by Dylan Sabuco
Photo by Dylan Sabuco
prep time
25 minutes
cook time
35 minutes
makes
4-6 servings

Fun Food Story

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Indian Spiced Potato "Aloo Gobi" Extravaganza

The Punjabi classic "aloo gobi" is made with hearty potatoes ("aloo" in Hindi) and tender cauliflower ("gobi"). It’s a staple in many North Indian households that warms hearts and bellies from Bengal to Pakistan. I encourage you to bring aloo gobi’s magical flavors and aromas into your home kitchen. 

Aloo gobi is a dish that works equally well for weeknight dinners and weekend feasts, and it’s the ultimate comfort food, too. It’s a great make-ahead dish that can be prepared from inexpensive, readily available ingredients, but don’t be fooled by its uncomplicated charm—aloo gobi’s flavors run deep and are many-layered! You can think of it as the culinary equivalent of a magic trick—deceptively simple yet impressive to all!  

To really elevate your plate, serve Indian Spiced Potato “Aloo Gobi” Extravaganza alongside Sweet Cilantro Rice and a generous dollop of Fruitful Mango Chutney!

Happy & Healthy Cooking,

Chef Erin, Food-Geek-in-Chief
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Shopping List

  • FRESH OR FROZEN
  • 2 medium russet potatoes **(see allergy subs below)**
  • 2 C fresh or frozen cauliflower
  • 4 green onions
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 C cilantro (about 1/3 bunch) + extra for garnish
  • 2 fresh mangoes or 1 1/2 C frozen mango chunks
  • PANTRY
  • 1/4 C sunflower seed butter, like SunButter brand (budget option: coconut milk-based yogurt or other dairy-free/nut-free yogurt)
  • 1 10-oz can diced tomatoes
  • 1 T vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp curry powder
  • 3/4 tsp red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp optional)
  • salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 C instant white rice
  • 1/4 C granulated sugar
  • HAVE ON HAND
  • 2 C water

Fun-Da-Mentals Kitchen Skills

  • chop :

    to cut something into small, rough pieces using a blade.

  • knife skills :

    Bear Claw (growl), Pinch, Plank, and Bridge (look out for trolls)

  • measure :

    to calculate the specific amount of an ingredient required using a measuring tool (like measuring cups or spoons).

  • mix :

    to thoroughly combine two or more ingredients until uniform in texture.

  • simmer :

    to cook a food gently, usually in a liquid, until softened.

  • smash :

    to break up food into smaller pieces or squash food to flatten or soften it.

  • steam :

    to cook food by heating it in the steam from boiling water.

Equipment Checklist

  • Small saucepan with lid
  • Liquid measuring cup
  • Dry measuring cups
  • Cutting board + kid-safe knife
  • Fork or wooden spoon for stirring
  • Measuring spoons
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Large pot
  • Can opener
  • Ladle
  • Large bowl or pitcher
  • Wooden spoon or potato masher
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Ingredients

Indian Spiced Potato "Aloo Gobi" Extravaganza

  • 2 medium russet potatoes **(for NIGHTSHADE ALLERGY sub sweet potatoes or zucchini)**
  • 2 C fresh or frozen cauliflower
  • 2 green onions
  • 1/4 C sunflower seed butter, like SunButter (budget option: coconut milk-based yogurt or other dairy-free/nut-free yogurt)
  • 1 10-oz can diced tomatoes
  • 1 C water
  • 1 T vegetable oil
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2 tsp curry powder
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
  • 1 big pinch salt
  • 1 big pinch ground black pepper
  • 2 to 3 T cilantro, optional garnish

Sweet Cilantro Rice

  • 1 C water
  • 1 C instant white rice
  • 1/4 C cilantro (about 1/3 bunch)

Fruitful Mango Chutney

  • 2 fresh mangoes or 1 1/2 C frozen mango chunks
  • 2 green onions
  • 1/4 C granulated sugar
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes
  • 1 garlic clove

Food Allergen Substitutions

Indian Spiced Potato "Aloo Gobi" Extravaganza

Nightshade: Substitute sweet potatoes or zucchini for russet potatoes.

Instructions

Indian Spiced Potato "Aloo Gobi" Extravaganza

1.
intro

Namaste (NAH-ma-stay)! (A formal greeting in some parts of India.) "Aloo Gobi" is a delicious curry made by simmering spiced and diced potatoes in a flavorful broth. This curry will fill your entire kitchen with aromas that will make you drool. The best part is that all you have to do for this recipe is toss all your ingredients into a pot and start building and layering the flavors together. Enjoy!

2.
chop + measure + stir

Start off by mincing 2 garlic cloves and chopping 2 medium russet potatoes, 2 cups cauliflower (fresh or frozen), and 2 green onions into a large dice. Add all the ingredients to a large bowl with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 2 teaspoons curry powder, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), 1 big pinch of salt, and 1 big pinch of black pepper. Stir a few times to get all the veggies coated.

3.
sauté + stir + simmer

Place a large pot on a burner over medium heat and let it heat up for a few moments. Then, pour all the chopped veggies, coated with the oil and spices, into the pot. Sauté the mixture for 8 minutes, stirring as often as you like. While the mixture sautés, open 1 can diced tomatoes and measure 1/4 cup sunflower seed butter. After 8 minutes of sautéing, add 1 cup water, the tomatoes, and sunbutter to the pot. Simmer for 15 minutes on medium low heat.

4.
chop + serve

While the "aloo gobi" simmers, chop a few handfuls or 2 to 3 tablespoons of cilantro as an optional garnish. Pour ladlefuls of the "aloo gobi" over Sweet Cilantro Rice (see recipe) and top with a little dollop of Fruitful Mango Chutney (see recipe).

Sweet Cilantro Rice

1.
measure + simmer

Measure 1 cup of water and pour it into a small saucepan over medium high heat. Add 1 cup of instant white rice when the water is boiling. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook, covered, for 3 minutes.

2.
fluff + season + serve

While the rice is cooking, chop 1/3 bunch of cilantro leaves finely. Remove the lid from the saucepan and add the cilantro leaves. Using a fork or wooden spoon, stir 1 pinch of salt into the rice and cilantro. Serve alongside Indian Spiced Potato "Aloo Gobi" Extravaganza (see recipe) or another main dish.

Fruitful Mango Chutney

1.
chop + measure + simmer

Roughly chop 2 fresh mangoes or 1 1/2 cups frozen mango chunks, 1 garlic clove, and 2 green onions. Then, add those to a small saucepan over medium heat. Meanwhile, measure 1/4 cup sugar, 1 pinch of red pepper flakes, and 1 pinch of salt and add them all to the saucepan. Stir a few times, then cover. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes.

2.
smash + cool

Remove the mixture from the saucepan and place it in a large bowl or pitcher. Using a wooden spoon or potato masher, kids can smash the mango mixture until everything is the consistency of chunky ketchup, but made from mangoes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Cool for a few minutes before serving on Indian Spiced Potato "Aloo Gobi" Extravaganza with Sweet Cilantro Rice (see recipes). Or chill overnight for a cool spread on avocado toast in the morning.

Surprise Ingredient: Potato!

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Photo by Tatevosian Yana/Shutterstock.com

Hi, my name is Spud! That's my nickname, though. I'm actually a Potato!

“I'm sometimes a bit dirty because I grow down in the soil, but I clean up just fine. You may notice I sometimes have 'eyes' on my skin. That's where I sprout so new potato plants can grow. You can use the end of a vegetable peeler or a knife to remove those sprouts unless you're going to plant me! We are versatile, starchy vegetables that you can leave whole, slice, dice, shred, or mash and bake, boil, fry, grill, or roast!"

History & Etymology

  • Potatoes are the foremost vegetable crop in the world! They are root vegetables native to the Americas.
  • Scientists believe the first potatoes were cultivated about 8,000 years ago by hunters and gatherers near Lake Titicaca—high in the Andes mountains, on the border between Peru and Bolivia. 
  • Those first farmers obtained the cultivated potato by domesticating wild potato plants that grew prolifically around the lake. Over the following millennia, people in the Andes developed potato varieties for growing at different altitudes and in other climates.
  • In 1532, the Spaniards invaded Peru searching for gold, but they took a different treasure back to Europe: the potato! Over the next 300 years, the potato became a staple crop in Europe and soon found its way to India, China, and Japan. China now grows the most potatoes worldwide.
  • The potato has been a staple ingredient in the German diet since the 17th century when King Frederick was known to give seeds to citizens and demonstrate how to plant them for food. 
  • Famines occurred in the mid-1700s, and people in Germany realized the importance of potatoes because they could be grown in harsh environments.  
  • Where are most of the potatoes produced in the United States? In Idaho! Approximately one-third of all potatoes in the US are grown there.
  • The potato was the first vegetable grown in outer space!
  • President Thomas Jefferson was the first person to serve french fries in the United States (in 1802 in the White House).
  • Potatoes are so popular that a plastic toy called "Mr. Potato Head" has been sold by Hasbro since 1952. Initially, they sold it as separate parts, like eyes, ears, mouth, hats, etc., that could be attached to an actual potato with pushpins. Due to too many ruined potatoes and new safety rules, in 1964, Hasbro added a plastic potato body with holes to insert the plastic body parts and clothing. The toy was the first to be advertised on television. 
  • The English word "potato" comes from the mid-16th century from the Spanish "patata," which may have been a hybrid of "batata" (sweet potato) from the extinct Taíno language and "papa" (potato) from the Quechua language.  

Anatomy

  • Potatoes are tubers and are members of the Nightshade family, which also includes tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and tobacco. 
  • The potato plant has a relatively short lifespan of anywhere from 80 to 150 days, determined by the variety of the potato. Furthermore, according to the International Potato Center in Peru, there are more than 4,000 varieties, with most found in the Andes Mountains!
  • Potatoes do not grow from seeds like other vegetables and fruits. Instead, they grow from "seed potatoes," which sprout and form roots underground. 
  • During its first stages of life, sprouts form from the eyes of the primary tuber. First, farmers prepare the earth by tilling it in rows that form ridges. Next, they remove stones from the soil to help the potatoes grow in uniform, oval shapes. Then, the seed potatoes are planted and covered with dirt for protection.
  • Seed potatoes are planted in the Spring so that the warmth from the sun can stimulate the plants to grow. First, roots form from the seed potatoes, and new shoots reach up through the soil toward the warm sun. Soon, green leaves grow on the shoots, establishing the potato plants. Then roots spread underground in the earth, and the potatoes grow from these roots. Potatoes are relatively easy to grow, even in harsh environments.   

How to Pick, Buy, & Eat 

  • Choose potatoes that are smooth, plump, free from blemishes, cuts, and decay, and that don't give when you squeeze them. 
  • Potatoes start getting soft when they go bad, so choose firm potatoes at the grocery store.
  • Smell potatoes before buying them: they should smell fresh and faintly of dirt since they grow in soil. 
  • Waxy potatoes are best for boiling and steaming, as they contain less starch and won't absorb as much liquid. Examples of waxy potatoes are Yukon gold, fingerling, Carola, LaRette, and Austrian Crescent.  
  • Medium-starch, all-purpose potatoes (red, purple, Onaway, and goldilocks varieties) work well when baked, roasted, fried, and used in soups and gratins.
  • Russet potatoes are best for frying (such as in hash browns and french fries), as they contain less starch and will get crisper.
  • Store potatoes in open or hole-punched paper bags (not plastic) to keep air circulating around the potatoes. Plastic bags can trap moisture and cause potatoes to rot quicker. Also, keep the bag in a dark, dry space. Chlorophyll will develop and produce a tell-tale green tinge if you store potatoes in too bright a place. If this happens, a toxic compound called solanine also forms, and it is best to toss any green potato in the garbage.   

Nutrition

  • Potatoes, with their skin, are rich in carbohydrates and a good source of energy. In addition, they have a high content of vitamin C and potassium, and protein that is well matched to human needs.
  • One cup of cooked potatoes contains 32 percent of the daily value of vitamin B6. This vitamin is a major antioxidant (antioxidants help clear the body of harmful substances). We need B6 for our brains and hearts, helping us learn and focus better, keep our moods up, and keep our brains sharp. Vitamin B6 is also required to make all new cells in the body, which happens every minute of our lives!

 

What is "Aloo Gobi"?

Photo by teleginatania/Shutterstock.com
  • "Aloo gobi" is a vegetarian curry dish that originated in Northern India. It consists of potatoes, cauliflower, and turmeric. The turmeric turns the vegetables yellow. 
  • Onion and tomato are often included in the dish, as well as black pepper, coriander, cumin, garam masala, garlic, ginger, and lemon juice.
  • "Aloo gobi" is also eaten in Bengal, Nepal, and Pakistan. A meat and potato curry, "aloo gosht," also came from the Indian subcontinent. 
  • "Aloo" is the Hindi word for "potato," and "gobi" is "cabbage" or "cauliflower." "Gosht" is the word for "meat."

Let's Learn About India!

Photo by Charu Chaturvedi on Unsplash
  • India is a country in South Asia and is officially called the Republic of India. It is the second-most populous country in the world and has the largest population of any democratic nation. 
  • Hindi and English are official languages, and there are 447 native languages spoken in India.
  • India's government includes a president, prime minister, and parliament. Twenty-eight states and eight union territories make up India's federal union. 
  • India's currency is the Indian "rupee." It is illegal for foreigners to take rupees out of India.
  • Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the Taj Mahal's construction in 1632 for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
  • The anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's birthday is celebrated on October 2. He is considered India's "Father of the Nation" and led the Indian people to independence from 89 years of British rule in 1947. Gandhi's peaceful protest movement inspired many people in other countries.
  • India's national symbols are the lotus flower, the Bengal tiger, and the peacock.
  • Some of the world's highest mountains are in India, including Kanchenjunga, the third tallest at 28,169 feet. 
  • The Bay of Bengal is a huge bay bordering the southeastern part of India and is home to the world's largest mangrove forest. Here, tigers swim in the same waters as dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, and saltwater crocodiles. 
  • The snow leopard, the Indian rhinoceros, the Bengal tiger, and the Asian elephant are all animals of India. Globally, it is the only country that has both lions and tigers.
  • The most popular sport in India is cricket!
  • It is hot in India, so people there often wear loose clothes. Traditional clothing differs by area in India. Women may wear saris, long pieces of colorful cotton or silk draped over and around the body like a dress. Men may wear a dhoti, made of material wrapped around the hips and pulled through the legs, somewhat resembling loose pants, although they aren't seen in cities much anymore. Photos of Gandhi show him wearing dhotis.
  • Seventy percent of the world's spices come from India.
  • Staple foods in India include lentils, rice, bread, and spices. People living on the coast eat more fish and seafood. In other regions, they eat chicken, beef, and game meats. Many people throughout India are vegetarians. Common fruits and vegetables are mangoes, apples, oranges, pineapples, bananas, onions, okra, potatoes, spinach, and carrots.  
  • Curries are popular dishes in India and are made with a variety of vegetables, fish, meat, and fruits, and spices. 
  • When people greet each other in India, as a sign of respect, they bow, placing their hands together before their chest or face, and say "Namaste," which translates to "I bow to the divine in you."

What's It Like to Be a Kid in India?

  • Indian parents are encouraged to start their kids in preschool at 2½ to 3 years old. School is usually taught in a particular state's language, which could be Hindi, English, or another language. 
  • Kids often have their grandparents living with them in the family household.
  • Along with cricket, tennis, badminton, and chess, kids may play traditional Indian games like kabaddi or kho-kho, both played by teams, or kancha, a marble game played individually or with others.
  • Kids enjoy the Holi festival, which is a religious celebration that also heralds the arrival of spring. Celebrated in various ways throughout the country, most versions include the joyous spraying and throwing of colorful powders by festival participants at one another. 

Lettuce Joke Around

What do you call a cauliflower growing at the edge of a garden? 

A border cauli!

That's Berry Funny

What do you call a potato that is reluctant to jump into boiling water? 

Hez A Tator

Lettuce Joke Around

How do you describe an angry potato? 

Boiling Mad.

Lettuce Joke Around

What do you say to an angry potato? 

Anything, just butter him up first.

That's Berry Funny

Today I gave out free coriander to those in need.

It was an act of cilantropy (philanthropy).

THYME for a Laugh

How do you make a mango shake? 

Take it to a scary movie!

Lettuce Joke Around

What is red, yellow, and green and goes up and down? 

A Mango in an elevator!

Lettuce Joke Around

What did the turmeric say to the cumin? 

"Curry up...we're late!"

Lettuce Joke Around

What do you get if you cross a sheepdog with a rose? 

A Collie-Flower!

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