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If you’ve ever strolled through the bustling streets of Karachi, you’ve likely come across one of the city’s most beloved street foods—Khattay Masalay Walay Aloo, also known simply as Dhoraji Aloo. This tangy and spicy potato dish is a staple at Dhoraji, a famous spot for street food vendors. Each vendor has their own spin on this classic snack, making it a unique experience each time you try it.
Khattay Aloo holds a special place in Karachi’s street food culture. Its perfect balance of spices and tang from tamarind chutney is what makes it irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, trying this dish is a must to truly experience the city’s vibrant flavors. Some vendors serve it topped with crunchy papri, while others prefer adding spicy chewda for that extra crunch, bringing different textures and tastes to every bite. The combinations are endless, and that’s what makes this street food so popular—you can always find a version that suits your taste.
The Nostalgia of Khattay Aloo
For many Karachiites, Khattay Masalay Walay Aloo brings back a wave of nostalgia. It’s a dish that’s not only enjoyed on the streets but has also made its way into homes, served at family gatherings or a casual evening snack. The aroma of the tempered curry leaves, cumin, and mustard seeds takes you back to those lively Karachi evenings, where street vendors skillfully mix the boiled potatoes with a generous splash of tangy tamarind chutney. The combination of spices gives the dish its signature fiery kick, but you can easily adjust it to your liking by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
A Versatile Dish for Every Palate
What makes Khattay Aloo so versatile is its adaptability. You can adjust the spice levels to your preference or play around with the tartness by increasing or reducing the tamarind chutney. And speaking of tamarind chutney, you can easily use my recipe already posted on my blog here https://flavoredbyfatima.com/2020/09/11/imli-tamarind-chutney/ . This chutney perfectly complements the spiced potatoes, adding a tangy-sweet burst of flavor with each bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
• 4-6 potatoes, quartered and boiled
• 1/2 cup tamarind chutney
• 2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tbsp paprika
• 1 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tbsp roasted cumin & coriander powder
• 6 curry leaves
• 2 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 tsp mustard seeds
• Cilantro for garnish
• Chewda for serving
• 3 tbsp oilHow to Make It:
1. Start by peeling and quartering the potatoes, then boiling them with a pinch of salt.
2. In a wok, heat the oil and temper the curry leaves, cumin seeds, and mustard seeds.
3. Add the boiled potatoes and toss them quickly in the hot oil.
4. Lower the heat and stir in the spices—cayenne pepper, paprika, turmeric, roasted cumin & coriander powder, and salt—along with the tamarind chutney.
5. Mix well until the potatoes are evenly coated, and the masala thickens around them.
6. Turn off the heat and garnish with fresh cilantro and a handful of crunchy chewda for serving.Customizing the Recipe
One of the reasons this dish is so beloved is that you can make it your own. Like it spicier? Add a touch more cayenne pepper. Prefer a milder version? Cut back on the spices. The tamarind chutney brings all the elements together with its tangy sweetness, but you can always adjust the amount based on how tangy you like your dish.
Whether you’re indulging in Khattay Aloo as a street snack or serving it up at home, it’s a dish full of memories and flavor. The crunch of papri or chewda on top adds the perfect contrast to the soft potatoes, making it a snack that’s both filling and deeply satisfying.
Garnishes That Make It Special
A great thing about Khattay Aloo is how easily you can elevate it with simple garnishes. Some popular choices include:
• Papri: Adds a crunchy, savory layer to the dish.
• Chewda: A mix of crunchy, spiced rice flakes that complements the softness of the potatoes.
• Sev: Another crunchy option for texture and flavor.A Street Food Classic
Khattay Masalay Walay Aloo will always have a special place in Karachi’s street food scene. Its mix of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors captures the essence of the city’s vibrant culture. Whether you’re enjoying it on the bustling streets or making it at home, it’s sure to bring a taste of Karachi right to your table.
Don’t forget to check out the tamarind chutney recipe on my blog, as it pairs perfectly with this street food delight!
Khattay Masalay walay Aloo
4
servings20
minutes15
minutesA tangy and spicy potato dish topped with a crunchy garnish.
Ingredients
4-6 small potatoes quartered and boiled
1/2 cup tamarind chutney https://flavoredbyfatima.com/2020/09/11/imli-tamarind-chutney/
2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tbsp paprika
1 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 tbsp roasted cumin & coriander powder
6 curry patta leaves
2 tsp cumin seeds
2 tsp mustard seeds
Cilantro for garnish
Chewdra for serving
3 tbsp oil
Directions
- Peel and quarter potatoes and boil them.
- Season the water with 1/2 tsp salt.
- In a wok heat oil and temper curry leaves, cumin seeds and mustard seeds.
- Add the boiled potatoes and quickly toss them.
- Turn down the heat, add the seasonings and the tamarind chutney.
- Mix well until well combined and the masala thickens.
- Turn off the heat and garnish with cilantro.
