Potato Bhaaji Mock Tavyarche Suke Bombil

Ever since our family turned vegetarian our relatives fear eating at our home. It is quite funny to note that when a vegetarian visits a Non vegetarian home, they fear that the food might be "Contaminated" as much as the Non vegetarians fear that they might have to eat grass. Many a relatives have shunned the yellow Koli dal they relish on a fasting day at our home saying they would end up with a stomach ache if they ate dal at night. Such is the fear induced in a Koli by vegetarian food.

In an attempt to make peace with visiting relatives my Mom used to make this potato bhaji that was loved by one and all. Many a times a happy relative would comment this tastes like Tavyarche Suke Bombil ie Tava fried dry Bombay duck. I have decoded it, I think the large amount of onions just makes it more Vashat or non veg like.

This bhaaji taste perfect with any type of roti and rice as well. Follow the instruction exactly, this bhaaji requires that the vegetables be cut in this fashion only, if you want the right taste.

Ingredients
2 big potatotes halved and sliced thin
3 Onions halved and slivered
2 green chilies slit
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon Koli Masala or Garam Masala
2-3 Kokum
1 handful chopped cilantro
salt to taste
1 cup water
1 tablespoon oil

Heat oil in a wok. Fry the onions till translucent, add the potatoes and all other ingredients. Mix well, add salt and water. Meanwhile soak the Kokum. Cover and cook till potatoes almost crumble into the bhaaji. This bhaaji should look nice and creamy, it should not be too dry or too thin. Add the kokum and mix well and leave on heat for 5 mins. This bhaaji taste best when cooked before hand and all the flavors seep in to the dish.

So those of who have not tasted Tavyarche Suke Bombil for a while and do not have access to Bombil try this bhaaji. I loved to suck on the kokum in this bhaaji and as if to give an applause to Mom would make that sound with the tongue touching the palet to create a vacuum and a loud toch~~ in response to the tart flavors that tickled the inside of the mouth.

A weekend Thali of Potato Bhaaji, Val-Shekatachya Shenga bhaaji, Methi pickle, Til Kadipatta chutney, Chapati and Rice.