Aloo Pitika
An authentic vegetarian recipe from Assam, India
Cook Time
15 mins
Servings
4 servings
Difficulty
EasyCategory
VegetarianIngredients
For 4 servings
500g Potatoes (large)
1piece Onion (finely chopped)
3piece Green chillies (finely chopped)
25ml Mustard oil
20g Fresh coriander leaves (chopped)
5g Salt
1piece Dried red chilli (optional, for garnish)
7 ingredients needed
💡 Pro Tip: Gather all ingredients before you start cooking for a smooth preparation process.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare this authentic dish
Boil the potatoes in their skins in salted water until completely tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and allow to cool slightly.
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Peel the boiled potatoes while still warm and place them in a large bowl.
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Mash the potatoes coarsely using a fork or your hands — Aloo Pitika should be rustic and slightly chunky, not smooth.
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Add the finely chopped onion and green chillies to the mashed potatoes.
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Drizzle the raw mustard oil generously over the mixture. The raw, pungent mustard oil is the defining flavour of this dish.
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Add salt and mix everything together thoroughly with your hands, squeezing the mixture to blend the flavours.
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Taste and adjust salt and chilli. The pitika should be well-seasoned and have a sharp, pungent kick from the mustard oil.
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Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with fresh coriander leaves, and serve immediately alongside steamed rice and dal or fish curry.
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Chef's Tips
Raw mustard oil is essential — it gives Aloo Pitika its signature Assamese flavour. Never use refined oil as a substitute.
Mash the potatoes while warm so they absorb the mustard oil and spices more effectively.
Some Assamese households add a small piece of roasted dried fish (sidol) for a more complex, umami-rich version.
Aloo Pitika is the quintessential comfort food of Assam and is always served with plain rice as part of a traditional meal.
About This Dish
Aloo Pitika is a traditional vegetarian dish from Assam, India. This authentic recipe provides exact measurements for cooking 4 servings.
- Raw mustard oil is essential — it gives Aloo Pitika its signature Assamese flavour. Never use refined oil as a substitute. - Mash the potatoes while warm so they absorb the mustard oil and spices more effectively. - Some Assamese households add a small piece of roasted dried fish (sidol) for a more complex, umami-rich version. - Aloo Pitika is the quintessential comfort food of Assam and is always served with plain rice as part of a traditional meal.
Category
Vegetarian
Cook Time
15 mins
Servings
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy