How old were you before you knew “Cirio” was a brand and not an ingredient? 

Lasan wara batata or often referred to as Cirio wara batata, was a shaak Mum made often with mori (plain) puri.  As a Gujarati I can cook potatoes a million ways,  but this is one of the 5 or maybe 7 top favorites at home.

Growing up we referred to it as Cirio wara batata, little did I know that Cirio was a brand of tomato paste, and not actually the ingredient. When I moved away from home, I would call Mum every week and complain that I could not find Cirio in the US.   She would say ask your Indian storewala he will know what it is, and sure enough, my local Indian grocery store uncle pointed me to a can of Hunt’s Tomato paste, and just like that I was a full grown adult, with a husband, home and a job before I knew that Cirio was not an ingredient. It’s funny how something you grew up with wasn’t quite what you thought it was.

Many east Africans make different versions of this curry, my MaaIL called it Khata batata, her version had a tempering of mustard and cumin seeds and curry leaves.

The way I make mine is the way my Mum taught me, using simple ingredients, with a big impact on flavors, however over the years, I don’t know if she used to add anything else, but this is how I make them now.

 They are an excellent accompaniment to Indian BBQ’s, and my Latina friend compares them to Papas Rojas or Patatas Bravas. This is a vegan and Gluten-Free recipe.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium-sized potato boiled, peeled and cubed into 2 cm cubes
• 5 Tbsp. Olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. whole cumin seeds
• 10-12 crushed garlic cloves ( I use about 3 tbsp. of crushed garlic)
• 5 tbsp. of tomato paste
• 1 tbsp. red chili powder (less if you like it mild)
• 1.2 tsp. turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp. Pink Himalayan salt or to taste
• 1 tbsp. sesame seeds
• 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp. cilantro finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Boil, peel and cube potatoes ( about 1/2 cm)
2. On a medium flame, heat the oil in a wok or wide pan and add the cumin seeds 
3. Once they pop, add the garlic paste and fry for 10-15 seconds- do not burn it!
4. Add tomato paste, salt, turmeric and chilli powder and stir everything together, let the paste cook for a few minutes, until the oil separates from the paste,  and add half the sesame seeds, if paste is sticking to the pan, add a tablespoon of water to loosen it.
5. Add cubed potatoes to the mixture and give it a good stir. 
6. Cover with a lid if necessary and cook for 2-3  mins.
7. Finally add lemon juice and mix thoroughly.
8. Garnish with cilantro leaves.