Rick Stein’s India episode 2

Rick Stein’s India episode 2: Rick Stein explores the melting pot that is Mumbai in search of the bombil, the fish that immortalised Bombay duck. He also gets to enjoy Parsee hospitality and learn about their contribution to Indian cuisine. Further south in the town of Pondicherry, his search for the perfect curry takes in fusion cooking as local residents cook up south Indian dishes with a French twist.

In the coastal town of Mamallapuram, he discovers what could possibly be the best fish curry he’s ever had! He cooks the popular Parsee chicken dish sali murgh and personal favourite aloo mattar. Exploring the eating habits of these cities is the start of a fascinating trip for Rick who is inspired to cook dishes like prawns in coconut milk and his mum’s version of British Raj curry. Rick Stein sets out on a journey around India to discover the different cuisines celebrated the world over.

Rick Stein’s India episode 2

Potato and pea curry

Aloo dum is a potato and pea curry which is possibly the most common vegetable curry in India. It’s almost like chips with everything here, aloo dum with everything there. It’s either easy to make or hard, depending on what you want to do with it. If I was describing it to somebody I’d just say boil potatoes, fry them with garam masala, add some tomato, chilli, turmeric and salt and it’s done; then, if you like, throw in frozen peas just before the end.

This meal, if served as 8 portions, provides 223kcal, 4g protein, 28g carbohydrate (of which 4g sugars), 10g fat (of which 1.5g saturates), 4g fibre and 0.4g salt per portion.

Method:

• Boil the potatoes in a pan of salted water for eight minutes until just tender, then drain well. Heat the oil in a heavy-based saucepan or karahi over a medium-high heat, add the potatoes and fry over a high heat for 5 minutes, or until just starting to colour. Add the turmeric and fry for 30 seconds. Remove from the heat.
• For the sauce, heat the oil in another pan over a medium-high heat. Add the bay leaves and fry for one minute, then add the asafoetida and stir. Add the onion and fry for five minutes; then add the garlic and ginger and fry for five minutes, or until softened and lightly golden-brown.
• Add the chilli powder, cumin, coriander, amchur, turmeric and salt and fry for one minute, then add the tomato passata, green chillies and 100ml/3½fl oz water and stir together. Add the fried potatoes, reduce the heat to medium, cover the pan and cook for 10 minutes, adding a splash of water if anything catches on the bottom of the pan.
• Add the peas and garam masala and cook uncovered for 3-4 minutes, or until the peas are cooked. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve.