Jhir-Jhirey-Aloo-Bhaja is a traditional Bengali recipe where finely Grated Potato Sticks are fried till crispy and crunchy. A favorite for all ages as the simplicity of the recipe appeals to all. Jhuri Aloo Bhaja as the name suggests is crispy fried potato julienne, one of a staple side dish at any Bengali home, best accompaniment for Dal-Rice. If you are looking for many such Bhaja / Bhajis that are regular at Bengali's kitchen do check out
- Pur Diye Kakrol Bhaja
- Kumro Phool Bhaja
- Bok Phool Bhaja
- Masoor Daler Bora
- Bhindi Bhaja Posto-Narkel-Shorshe Diye
Jhir-Jhirey Aloo Bhaja is a very simple recipe which are super addictive when tossed with few curry leaves and fried peanuts. Very little seasoning is needed as Chat masala, salt and red chili powder does the trick. These munchies are great for tea time snack also.
Ingredients:
3 large Potatoes
handful of Peanuts (optional)
2 sprigs of Curry leaves
1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
1/4 Chat masala
1/4 tsp Red chili powder
A pinch of black salt
Salt
Oil for deep frying
Method:
Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut potatoes razor thin sticks with a sharp knife or you can use Mandoline (*see the video for reference below).
Transfer the thinly grated Potato Sticks on a sieve and run under tap water. Now take a bowl full of chilled water, rinse the potato in cold water to remove the surface starch.
Change the water again with chilled water and dip the grated potato sticks for half an hour. Heat oil in a deep fried pan. Fry peanuts in hot oil and keep aside. Now fry the curry leaves, drain and keep aside. Squeeze out as much water as possible with your hands and keep aside in plate. And divide the razor thin potato sticks into 5-6 batches as we can not crowd the pan /kadhai or else you will end up a huge lump of potato sticks. Add a pinch of turmeric and mix with a fork Do not add salt at this stage.
Fry one batch at a time and keep stirring as it will ensure even cooking. Fry till they turn crispy, sprinkle salt. Drain on an absorbent tissue. Repeat till all the batches are done. Sprinkle red chili powder, chat masala, fried peanuts and curry leaves. Crispy and super crunchy Jhuri Aloo Bhaja is ready to serve.
