Aloo pie, a savory pastry filled with a spicy potato mixture, is a popular street food in India and other parts of South Asia. With its crispy, flaky crust and flavorful filling, it’s a delightful treat that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. This recipe will guide you step-by-step in creating your own homemade aloo pie that’s even more delicious than what you’d find on the streets of Mumbai.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
- 4 medium potatoes, boiled, peeled, and mashed
- Salt, to taste
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, for deep frying
Tools You’ll Need:
- Large bowl
- Rolling pin
- Small saucepan
- Deep fryer or large pot
Let’s Make Aloo Pie:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add the chilled butter cubes and work them into the flour using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overwork the dough.
- Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Make the Flavorful Filling:
- While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling. Heat the vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- Stir in the garlic, ginger, and green chili. Cook for a minute until fragrant.
- Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Cook for another minute while stirring constantly.
- Now, add the mashed potatoes, chopped cilantro, and mint leaves. Mix well, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust the salt as needed. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3. Assemble and Shape the Aloo Pie:
- Divide the chilled dough into equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion into a thin circle.
- Place a spoonful of the cooled potato filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over to form a semi-circle and crimp the edges to seal. You can also use a fork to press the edges together.
4. Fry to Crispy Perfection:
- Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully drop a few aloo pies into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove the fried pies using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Aloo pie filling
5. Time to Enjoy!
- Serve your hot and crispy aloo pies with chutney of your choice, such as mint chutney or tamarind chutney.
Frying aloo pie
Tips for Aloo Pie Perfection:
- For a flakier crust: Use cold ingredients and avoid overworking the dough.
- Adjust the spice level: Customize the heat by adding more or less green chili and chili powder.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the aloo pies in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Make it ahead: Prepare the filling and dough ahead of time and assemble just before frying.
FAQs about Aloo Pie:
- Can I bake the aloo pies instead of frying?
- While frying yields a crispier crust, you can bake them in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- How do I store leftover aloo pies?
- Allow them to cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes before serving.
Serving aloo pie
Making aloo pie at home is easier than you think! This recipe guides you through each step, ensuring a rewarding and delicious experience. Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on a culinary adventure to create these flavorful Indian treats that will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t forget to share your aloo pie creations and cooking experiences in the comments below! Happy cooking!
