Potato fry (Urulaikilangu varuval)

Potato fry (urulaikilangu varuval) is a famous but simple side dish in Indian cuisine. This can be prepared in a jiffy and a staple in many people's lunch packs. I think this is more popular in Tamilnadu , as we all have childhood memories about this curry. Lemon rice and puli rice are permanent friends for those travelers. 

My mom used to prepare this and coconut chutney (specially made to withstand Indian summer), along with a 'variety rice' like tomato rice, lemon rice, Puli rice, curd rice etc for lunch pack as well as for our 'picnics / temple vists / one day tours'. We were a big family and we won't consider eating out as binging our own lunch pack was more economical as well as hygienic. But economical was the first point to consider in these situations while growing up. We used to go to Tiruchendur temple or any nearby temples as they were like our picnic spots. Amma, chithi, athais would get up early and prepare these variety rices and pack them in large lunch carriers. These kind of activities made the ladies love each other more and kind of encouraged us all in some group activities. I like my modern life style too. After marriage, we never pack lunches for picnics as we all started to like to eat at restaurants and dress nicely and love to stay pretty. I won't blame the modernization, as I always love growing modern. But still sometimes I used to pack some picnic lunches for us during our Chennai picnics and here in USA too. Nowadays,  I understand amma more, when I cook like her for picnics . LOL.

Still the memory of my amma and her love to prepare these 'variety rices' and 'potato fry' 'fried coconut chutney', or 'paruppu vadai' lingers in my mind and I love my memories very much. Yes, food is such a powerful force, as those nostalgic feelings makes us a better person everyday !

Ingredients:

Potato - 4 (200 gm)
Coconut oil - 2 tbsp
Fennel - 1 tsp

Turmeric powder - 1 tsp
Red chilly powder - 1/2 tsp (to taste)
Garam masala powder - 1/2 tsp
Salt - to taste

Method:

Peel and cut the potato into small cubes.
Heat oil in a thick bottom wok and add fennel.
After it starts becoming mild red, add the potato and fry for 2 minutes.
Reduce the heat, add salt, turmeric and cook covered.
After it is cooked and starts turning little crispy , add the chilly powder and garam masala powder. Again stir till raw smell vanishes. 

The entire process takes just 10 mins (not including the dish washing time. LOL).
Switch off.
Potato fry is ready!

Serving suggestion:

Serve hot with sambar rice, curd rice, lemon rice or chapathi.
Makes a good side dish for lemon rice for picnics.