Aloo Chukauni - Nepali Yoghurt-Spiced Potatoes
Aloo chukauni is a creamy, tangy Kumaoni potato dish made by folding boiled potatoes into spiced yoghurt and finishing with a fragrant mustard-seed tadka, served cool or at room temperature.
Servings: 4
Calories: 748kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup yoghurt
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp chilli powder
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- 1 red chilli finely chopped
- 1 green chilli finely chopped
- 1 small bunch fresh cilantro chopped
- 800 g cooked potatoes
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ⅓ cup mustard oil
- 1 tsp kashmiri chilli
- 1 tsp kasoori methi
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- ½ tsp toasted sesame seeds
- ½ tsp black sesame seeds
Instructions
- Season the yoghurt with lime juice, salt, and chilli powder.
- Stir in most of the onion, fresh chilli, and cilantro, reserving a little of each for garnish.
- Add the potatoes and gently fold until evenly coated.
- Make the tadka: heat the mustard oil until just hot, then add the Kashmiri chilli powder, turmeric, cumin seeds, and kasoori methi. Remove from the heat and let sizzle for 20–30 seconds.
- Pour about 90% of the tadka over the potato mixture and mix well. Arrange the potatoes on a serving platter in a single layer.
- Finish by drizzling over the remaining tadka and garnish with the reserved onion, chillies, cilantro, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Notes
Substitutions & Tips
- Spices: Mustard seeds are traditional for the tadka; curry leaves and a pinch of asafoetida (hing) can be added if you like.
- Garnish: Pomegranate seeds add colour and a fresh, sour pop.
- Variations: Not traditional, but the same method works with cooked sweet potato, carrots, or cauliflower.
- Make ahead: Can be made up to 1 day ahead; refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving.
- Fridge: Keeps well for 3–4 days, covered.
- Freezer: Not recommended — texture and flavour suffer.
Nutrition
Calories: 748kcal | Carbohydrates: 79g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Monounsaturated Fat: 22g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 1074mg | Potassium: 1388mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 279IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 170mg | Iron: 2mg