History:

Dhaam Aloo is a classic Himachali dish that's often a part of the Dham feast, as described in the previous answer. This flavorful potato dish is prepared using local Himachali spices and is a staple at weddings and festivals in Himachal Pradesh.

Detailed Recipe for Dhaam Aloo:

Ingredients:

• 4-5 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2-3 tablespoons mustard oil (or any cooking oil)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Red Chili Powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon Dried Fenugreek Leaves (kasuri methi)
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Boil the Potatoes:

   • Boil the diced potatoes in salted water until they are partially cooked, about 80% done. You should be able to pierce them with a fork but not too easily. Drain and set aside.

2. Heat Oil:

   • Heat mustard oil (or any cooking oil) in a pan until it starts to smoke. Then, reduce the heat to medium.

3. Add Cumin Seeds:

   • Add cumin seeds to the hot oil and let them splutter.
     
     

4. Add Spices:

   • Lower the heat and add coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Stir well to form a masala paste. Add a few tablespoons of water if the spices start to stick to the pan.

5. Cook the Masala:

   • Cook the masala paste for a couple of minutes until the oil starts to separate from it.

6. Add Potatoes:

   • Add the partially cooked potatoes to the pan. Stir gently to coat the potatoes with the masala.

7. Simmer:

   • Cover the pan and let the potatoes cook on low heat for about 15-20 minutes or until they are fully cooked and have absorbed the flavors of the masala.

8. Sprinkle Garam Masala and Kasuri Methi:

   • Sprinkle garam masala and dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) over the cooked potatoes. Gently mix them in.

9. Garnish and Serve:

   • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
   • Dhaam Aloo is typically served with plain rice or roti, and it pairs wonderfully with other Himachali dishes like Chana Madra and Kadi from the previous answers.

Enjoy the delicious and aromatic flavors of Himachali Dhaam Aloo, a dish that truly represents the essence of Himachali cuisine.