Alu Chochchori : a simple potato stir fry

One of the classic breakfast combinations loved and relished all across Bengali households is this simple potato stir fry called Alu Chochchori. As I understand,it is common to both the East as well as West Bengali households,usually served with pale golden fluffy breads called Luchi in Bengal and Puri in most of North India. Luchi is mostly made with all purpose flour though whereas Puri can be made with wheat flour. There are other finer nuances of difference but I will get into those in a latter post. For the time being, I made the chochchori a few nights ago to have with Rotis for a simple dinner at home. This is one classic recipe that requires basic pantry staples and can be made in a jiffy! As with most of my cooking where I tend towards moderately easy and fast to cook recipes,this one is no exception.



Alu Chochchori
( Potatoes stir-fried the Bengali way)
Serves : 1





You will need 2 medium sized potatoes per person you wish to serve.
Peel the potatoes and cut them in uniform sized strips.
Heat 2 tsp white oil in a pan and temper with 1 tsp nigella seeds.
Add 2 slit green chillies.
Reduce the flame to medium immediately ,taking care not to burn the chillies.
Add the potatoes and stir well for the next 3-4 minutes till they are well coated with the oil.
Season with salt according to taste.
Add enough water to cover the potatoes,put a lid on the pan and cook till all the water is abosrbed and the potatoes are done, 5-7 minutes at most.
I like them well-cooked yet firm, some people prefer them to get a little mushy.
Serve hot with puris,parathas or even plain rotis like I did.


There is a reason the humble potato is the most popular vegetable the world over. Not until you have made this will you believe how good this actually tastes. Very few vegetables can match up to the heavenly taste of perfectly cooked,well-seasoned potatoes. Plus,since this recipe uses neither onion nor garlic,it is a good one to go to for the days we need to eat vegetarian food for religious purposes.