Batate Vaagu-Potato curry

Batate vaagu or simply vaagu is a curry I learnt from my ma-in-law.When she told me once that she has prepared vaagu with shevai/idiyappam I was like..vaagu..??(vaagu means tiger in konkani,so I was wondering whether I heard her right).Vaagu is a potato,coconut based curry which is served with shevai.It is very similar to batate song and batate humman. I was used to having idiyappam with potato stew ever since I could remember.So I was quite hesitant to try out this new combo..but boy..if I had not tried I would have missed this ultimate combo of blandish idiyappam with spicy curry.It is not as spicy as it looks because of the use of byadige/kashmiri chillies which give the curry its reddish colour.

Vaagu

Ingredients

Potatoes-3 medium sized
Carrot-1 medium sized
Tomatoes-2 medium sized
Red chillies-6(use 3 normal red chillies and 3 byadige chillies)
Grated coconut-1/2 cup
Coriander seeds-1 tbsp
Mustard seeds-1 tsp
Oil-2 tbsps
Curry leaves- 1 sprig
Coriander leaves- about 1/2 cup
Salt to taste.

Method

Wash and peel potatoes and carrot and cut into small cubes.Pressure cook it for about 15 minutes or till well cooked.
Fry red chillies and coriander seeds in a little oil and keep aside.
Grind grated coconut with fried red chilies and coriander to a fine paste.
Prepare seasoning in a frying pan with mustard and curry leaves in oil.
Add the masala and tomatoes(cut into small cubes) and mix well.
Add the cooked potatoes and carrots and salt to taste.
Add more water if required.
Add the coriander leaves. Serve hot with Idiyappam/Shevai.

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