Instant Pot Batata Bhaji | Indian Spiced Potatoes

One Pot Recipe

The original stovetop version involves steaming the potatoes, cooling, peeling, and dicing them before adding to the spices which takes a longer time.

This EASY Instant Pot recipe saves time since you do not need to steam the potatoes first. Add raw diced potatoes to onions, chilies, and spices and pressure cook them all together.

Note: When you open the Instant Pot, the potatoes may look a bit watery. But do not worry, just give a quick stir as the potatoes continue to absorb the excess liquids. Within minutes you will have soft-cooked, creamy potatoes with perfect texture and flavors.

Ingredients

This recipe needs a few ingredients and spices like mustard seeds and turmeric.

• Potatoes - Yellow, Russet, or Red potatoes work well for this recipe.
• Onion - Yellow onion works best in this recipe but can be substituted with other varieties in a pinch.
• Green Chili - Indian chili, Serrano, or Jalapeno peppers.
• Ginger - Fresh ginger adds peppery warm flavors.
• Curry Leaves - Fresh Kadipatta adds a citrusy aroma to the bhaji.

How to Make Batata Bhaji

• Set the Instant Pot to saute(more) mode and heat oil.
• Add mustard seeds to the oil and allow them to pop which may take 2-3 minutes.
• Add turmeric, green chilies, ginger, and curry leaves. Saute for 30 seconds.
• Add onions and sauté for 2 minutes. Press Cancel. (Photos 1 - 4)

• Add potatoes, salt, and water. Mix well, deglazing the pot if needed.
• Close the Instant Pot lid with the pressure valve to sealing.
• Pressure Cook for 4 minutes followed by quick release. (Photos 5 - 6)

• Open the Instant Pot lid. Add lemon juice and cilantro. Mix gently and enjoy hot. Photos (7 - 10)

Vegan and Versatile: How to Serve Bata Bhaji

Bata Bhaji only requires a handful of ingredients and is a super satisfying vegan dish. You’ll be surprised by how many different ways there are to enjoy these spicy potatoes! 

• Make a big batch on Sunday and serve throughout the week in sandwiches, pita pockets, wraps, or crispy paninis. Top with Green Chutney and serve with Flavor Bomb Cabbage Salad. Great for packed lunches!
• Stuff into prepared puff pastry sheets and bake for quick and easy samosas. Everyone’s favorite appetizer!
• Serve alongside Dal and Rice. My kind of comfort food!
• Tuck into crispy Dosas and experience the heaven of this South Indian specialty!
• Add a few teaspoons of urad dal to the tempering to make South Indian-style potatoes
• Form potato bhaji into balls and roll in chickpea flour batter for mouthwatering batata vada.
• Make it a festive meal served with Shrikhand and Puri

Batata Bhaji is often paired with Plain dal (also known as Varan) and rice (Bhaat) for a quick and easy dinner. Traditionally Varan is made with Toor Dal, but you can also use half Toor Dal and half Masoor Dal or all Masoor Dal for the same authentic taste.

Instant Pot Varan Bhaat Recipe

Here is the pot-in-pot recipe for Dal-Rice AKA Varan Bhaat:

1. Add 1 cup of rinsed daal (masoor or toor), 2 cups of water, 1 teaspoon of salt, ⅛ teaspoon of asafoetida, and turmeric to the main pot.
2. Add 1 cup of rice, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1.5 cups of water to a stainless steel container.
3. Place it over a tall trivet.
4. Pressure cook for 6 minutes with natural pressure release.
5. Mix the daal well, add 2 more cups of water, 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of sugar(optional), and a tablespoon of ghee.
6. Bring to a gentle boil on Sauté mode.  Serve the creamy daal, over soft cooked rice and a spoonful of homemade ghee.