Ingredients
Spice Paste:
- 3-4 Kashmiri Dry Red Chilies
- 2 teaspoons Coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 4 Peppercorns
- 2 Cloves
- ½ inch piece Cinnamon stick
- 2 tablespoons Dry grated Coconut
- 2 teaspoons Poppy seeds
- ¼ cup Water
Curry:
- 1 lb Baby or Fingerling Potatoes (about 16-18)
- 3 tablespoons Oil, divided
- 1 Medium Onion, grated
- 1 teaspoon Ginger and garlic paste
- 1 cup Tomato puree
- ½ cup Water
- Salt, to taste
- ½ cup Milk (preferably whole milk)
- 3 tablespoons Cilantro, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Paste: Dry roast the Kashmiri red chilies, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon stick, and poppy seeds in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, being careful not to burn them. Add the dry grated coconut and roast for another minute. Let the mixture cool, then grind it with ¼ cup of water into a smooth paste using a blender or mortar and pestle.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly. Prick them all over with a fork to allow the spices to penetrate during cooking.
- Sauté Onions and Ginger-Garlic: Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode, add 2 tablespoons of oil, and once hot, add the grated onion. Cook the onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then add the ginger and garlic paste and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Spice Paste and Tomato Puree: Add the prepared spice paste to the sautéed onions and cook for 3-4 minutes while stirring, allowing the spices to release their aroma. Pour in the tomato puree and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Add Potatoes and Liquid: Add the pricked potatoes to the Instant Pot, stir well to coat them with the spice mixture. Add ½ cup water and season with salt to taste.
- Pressure Cook Potatoes: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on manual high pressure for 7 minutes. Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Add Milk and Finish: Open the lid, add the milk and remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Stir gently and switch the Instant Pot back to sauté mode. Cook uncovered for another 3-5 minutes to let the curry thicken slightly and blend the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Turn off the Instant Pot. Sprinkle the finely chopped cilantro over the curry. Serve hot with rice or flatbreads.
Notes
- Pricking the potatoes helps them absorb the flavors better during cooking.
- Kashmiri red chilies provide a vibrant red color and mild heat; adjust quantity based on your spice tolerance.
- Use whole milk for a richer and creamier curry; low-fat milk can be used but will alter the texture slightly.
- For a vegan version, substitute milk with coconut milk and use oil instead of ghee or butter.
- If you don’t have an Instant Pot, this recipe can be adapted to stovetop by simmering the potatoes covered until tender, though cooking time will be longer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Pakistani