Desi Smashed Potatoes

September 1, 2021

It seems forever since I posted something. It has been a long time. My classes, then my sisters wedding and then the arrival of our rainbow baby kept us occupied. I barely had time to be normal, or have fun. VJ and Arlo have had such hectic lives as well. Arlo is in pre-K now, and I can’t believe how big my little guy has become. It’s been a crazy few months for sure. But my parents being here has helped us tremendously. It was such luck that my sister got married when she did so that I had help after Anya (our most little one) has been born. It’s been such a huge blessing to have my parents here. The time Arlo spends with them I don’t think I can ever get back. I’ve been asking my in-laws to come as well, but unfortunately because of the travel restrictions they are unable to.

I don’t think my parents have ever been on a proper vacation where they forget about everything and just have fun. Thanks to my baby sister and my brother in law they are able to go on a real one. But my parents leaving means we are alone with 2 kids for the first time. It’s only been 48 hours and it’s already crazy and chaotic. Arlo won’t eat (because we hate eating now), Anya only wants to be held and I have the worst back ache ever. VJ has been so patient since this morning but it’s running out soon. Arlo LOVES potatoes, so I thought I’ll make these smashed potatoes for him, but he said and I quote word to word, “There are not good AT ALL.” They aren’t hard to make, but the effort I put it was hard since I was feeding, cooking, feeding, cooking, and trying to do laundry. But the spicy ones that I made for me and my husband are PERFECT. They can be served as appetizers, as a side for a main, or as a snack.

INGREDIENTS

Baby Potatoes – 15 (you can take how many ever you want)

Oil – 1/4 cup

Salt – 1 teaspoon (more for boiling)

Pepper powder – 1/4 teaspoon

Turmeric – 1/4 teaspoon

Garam Masala – 1 teaspoon

Chaat Masala – 1 tablespoon

Red Chili Powder – 1/2 tablespoon

Amchur powder – 1/4 teaspoon

Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon

Cumin powder – 1/4 teaspoon

Cheese – a few tablespoons (optional)

Water – For Boiling

Paprika – for garnish

Chaat Masala – for garnish

HOW TO MAKE

Step 1: In a huge pot, boil water, once boiled, add 3 tablespoons of salt, and add the washed baby potatoes.

Step 2: Once the potatoes are parboiled (when you insert a fork it should go through), drain the water and wait for the potatoes to cool down and dry.

Drained and waiting for them to cool down and dry

Step 3: In a bowl add the oil, and all the spices, whisk it well.

Step 4: Add the potatoes in to the oil and coat them well.

Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350F.

Step 6: Place the potatoes on a sheet pan. Take a glass, a small jar or even a lid of a box, and smash the potatoes. Do not mash them, smash them in a way they hold their shape.