Alur Khosha Bhaja - Potato skin stir fry

We, Bengalis believe in no wastage. Our elders used to use every part of vegetable or fruits to make some lip-smacking dishes that are healthy too. Potato skin is one of these which has great health benefits. The potato skin not only adds fiber and nutrients, but it also helps the flesh of the potato retain its nutrients. If you leave off the butter, cheese, bacon and sour cream when you eat potato skins, they can add nutrients to your diet. Eating potato skins benefits your health by providing a source of niacin, also called vitamin B-3. Like potassium, niacin helps your cells break down nutrients into usable fuel. The potato skin fry is a vegan dish which is easy to make and takes very little time off our busy schedule. Without wasting much time let me present this crispy yummy dish here.

Preparation Time: - 7~8 min

Cooking Time: - 10 min

Servings: - 2 persons

Ingredients:-

1. 1 cup freshly chopped potato peels
2. ½ of chopped small onion (optional)
3. 1 tsp poppy seeds
4. Pinch of Nigella seeds
5. Salt to taste
6. 1 green Chilli slitted
7. 2 tbsp Mustard oil (As it is an authentic Bengali dish I prefer mustard oil but you can also use any vegetable oil if you do not like the pungent smell of mustard)
8. Few drops of lemon juice (optional)

Preparation:-

1. Peel the potatoes with a peeler and. Please remember to peel just before the preparation – otherwise they will decolor and become very dry. You need to peel finely. I peeled 4 big potatoes to collect a cup of material.
2. Wash them thoroughly and rub a little salt on them. Keep them on a strainer for 5 minutes. This will absorb less oil during frying. We all love less oil now-a-days right?
3. Slit a green chilli vertically.
4. Heat oil in a non-stick kadai /pan with burner turned to high position.
5. When heated sufficiently ( smoke started coming out) add nigella seeds and green chili. Turn the burner to medium.
6. If you are opting for onion then add them now and stir fry till they turn golden brown. Please remember this is purely a choice. I do not mix onion with potato.
7. Pour the chopped peel. Stir fry for 4~5 mins on medium heat.
8. Add salt and poppy seeds. Stir continuously. You can add red chili powder if you want it more spicy. I did not use red chili powder as I was preparing for my kids.
9. Cook till the potato peels become crispy.
10. Sprinkle few drops of lemon juice. This is purely optional as you may not prefer the tangy taste in this dish. My family loves this. 
    

Serve this with hot streamed rice as a starter or side dish. You can use it as a yummy snacks with tea / coffee. Enjoy…. 

As always please feel free to comment, criticize and seek if any help is required. I am all ears.