Boraalu Torkari or Yam Gravy

Boraalu (Kath aloo, Yam) is a loved delicacy in parts of East Bengal. As a tradition the cuisine is an essential part of Bhogali bihu festival of Assam. It is used in various styles in cuisine. It is also added to fish curries, daals (lentils) , and also eaten mashed and fried. Mexican coriander is not known outside NE India is a lovely substitute for Coriander leaves, as the name suggests it originated in Mexico, but is largely used in Vietnamese cuisine and is know as Ngo Gai.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yam_(vegetable)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eryngium_foetidum

Makes/Serves: 5 to 6 Servings

Ingredients:

·      2lbYam (Kath aloo or ‘Tree Potato’ in Assamese, Boraalu ‘Big Potato’ in Sylheti)

·      small piece of Tamarind

·      Handful Dried Shrimp (add if you like it)

·      1tbsp Chopped Garlic

·      2 to 3 Chopped Green Chili

·      1 Small Chopped Onion

·      1tsp Turmeric Powder

·      1/2 tsp Red Chili Powder

·      1tsp Cumin Powder

·      1tsp Coriander Power

·      1/2 Aamchur Powder

·      Salt to taste

·      2 to 3 tbsp oil

·      Mexican Coriander( Mon Dhania in Assamese, Naga Dhula in Sylheti)

Method:

·      Peel  the Boraalu and cut into cube

·      Boil the boraalu with added Salt and Tamarind for 10-15 mins

·      Stain the Boraalu and keep aside

·      Heat oil in a pan, add chopped garlic and green chili and stir fry for couple of mins

·      Add chopped onions any fry until onion looses all its water 

·      Add boiled Boraalu and stir-fry with added salt to taste

·      Add turmeric, red chili, cumin and coriander powder and add Aamchur powder

·      Stir fry for 15 mins then add a cup of water and simmer in medium heat for 10 more minutes 

·      Check if the Boraalu is tender, then add dried shrimp and Naga Dhula leaves and simmer in low heat for additional 5 minutes  

·       Serve with hot Rice

Recipe Credit: From my mother-in-laws Rasoi

Cook Tip: Some parts of Yam/Boraalu may be bit hard and after boiling check if a few pieces are hard, throw them away.