Hotel Style Aloo Curry for Poori | Spicy Potato Curry | South Indian Poori Aloo Masala Recipe

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Rajani (@thegourmetschoice)

This hotel-style aloo curry is warm, comforting, and brings that nostalgic taste of Indian tiffin centers to your home. Whether you're making a weekend brunch, festive breakfast, or a simple dinner, this spicy poori curry with mashed potatoes is a winner. Perfectly pairs with poori, chapati, dosa, or rice, and...

Hotel Style Aloo Curry for Poori | Spicy Potato Curry | South Indian Poori Aloo Masala Recipe recipe
Prep Time
15min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
45min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 bowl of curry)

For Boiling Potatoes

  • medium-sized Potatoes
    medium-sized Potatoes
    5
  • Salt
    Salt
    1tsp
  • enough Water
    enough Water

For Curry

  • Oil
    Oil
    2tbsp
  • bay leaf Bay leaf
    bay leaf Bay leaf
    1
  • Cinnamon stick
    Cinnamon stick
    1in
  • green cardamom Green Cardamom
    green cardamom Green Cardamom
    2
  • black cardamom Black Cardamom
    black cardamom Black Cardamom
    1
  • Hing (asafoetida)
    Hing (asafoetida)
    1pinch
  • Cumin seeds
    Cumin seeds
    1tsp
  • green chillies Green chillies, slit
    green chillies Green chillies, slit
    2
  • onion Onion, finely chopped
    onion Onion, finely chopped
    1
  • Ginger garlic paste
    Ginger garlic paste
    1tsp
  • Turmeric powder
    Turmeric powder
    1/2tsp
  • Red chilli powder
    Red chilli powder
    1tsp
  • Coriander powder
    Coriander powder
    1tsp
  • Garam masala
    Garam masala
    3/4tsp
  • Garam masala (for finishing)
    Garam masala (for finishing)
    1/2tsp
  • tomatoes Tomatoes, thinly sliced
    tomatoes Tomatoes, thinly sliced
    2
  • Kasuri methi, crushed
    Kasuri methi, crushed
    1tsp
  • Salt (adjust to taste)
    Salt (adjust to taste)
    1tsp
  • Water (adjust consistency)
    Water (adjust consistency)
    1 1/2cups
  • Fresh coriander, finely chopped
    Fresh coriander, finely chopped
    2tbsp

How to make Hotel Style Aloo Curry for Poori | Spicy Potato Curry | South Indian Poori Aloo Masala Recipe

Pressure Cook the Potatoes

  1. Step 1

    Rinse 5 medium potatoes and add them to a pressure cooker.

  2. Step 2

    Add enough water to submerge the potatoes and 1 tsp salt.

  3. Step 3

    Close the lid and pressure cook for 3 whistles on medium flame.

  4. Step 4

    Let the pressure release naturally, then open the lid and drain the water.

  5. Step 5

    Peel the skin and lightly mash the boiled potatoes. Set aside.

Make the Masala Base

  1. Step 1

    Heat 2 tbsp oil in a deep kadai or pan.

  2. Step 2

    Add bay leaf, cinnamon, cardamom (green and black), cumin, and a pinch of hing.

  3. Step 3

    Sauté for a few seconds until the whole spices release aroma.

    Step 2.1: Sauté for a few seconds until the whole spices release aroma
  4. Step 4

    Add slit green chillies and finely chopped onion. Sauté until golden brown.

  5. Step 5

    Add 1 tsp ginger garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears.

Add Masalas and Tomatoes

  1. Step 1

    Lower the flame and add turmeric, chilli powder, coriander powder, and ¾ tsp garam masala.

  2. Step 2

    Sauté for 30 seconds on low heat until the masalas turn fragrant.

  3. Step 3

    Add thinly sliced tomatoes and a pinch of salt.

  4. Step 4

    Cook until the tomatoes turn mushy and mash them slightly with a spatula.

    Step 3.1: Cook until the tomatoes turn mushy and mash them slightly with a spatula

Add Potatoes and Simmer

  1. Step 1

    Add mashed potatoes to the masala and mix well.

  2. Step 2

    Sprinkle in 1 tsp crushed kasuri methi and adjust salt.

  3. Step 3

    Add 1.5 cups of water, mix thoroughly, and bring to a boil.

  4. Step 4

    Simmer the curry on low heat for 10 minutes or until the oil separates on top and the curry thickens.

    Step 4.1: Simmer the curry on low heat for 10 minutes or until the oil separates on top and the curry thickens

Final Touch

  1. Step 1

    Finish with the remaining ½ tsp garam masala and 2 tbsp fresh coriander.

  2. Step 2

    Stir once and turn off the flame. Serve hot with poori.

    Step 5.1: Stir once and turn off the flame

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

62.1kcal (3.11%)

Protein

0.4g (0.76%)

Carbs

1.3g (0.48%)

Sugars

0.1g (0.14%)

Healthy Fat

5.8g

Unhealthy Fat

0.9g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Lightly mash the potatoes to retain texture in the curry.

  2. Crush kasuri methi between your palms before adding for better flavor.

  3. Use ripe tomatoes for a naturally tangy base or substitute with 2 tbsp tomato puree.

  4. Adjust water based on desired consistency; slightly thick gravy is best for poori.

  5. For extra creaminess, add 1 tsp roasted gram flour (besan) to the masala.

FAQS

  1. Can I make this curry without onions?

    Yes, you can skip onions and make a no onion, no garlic version of this curry.

  2. What can I serve this curry with?

    This curry pairs well with poori, chapati, dosa, rice, or even as a side for pulao.

  3. Can I make this curry vegan?

    This recipe is naturally vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients.

  4. How can I adjust the spice level?

    Reduce the amount of red chilli powder and green chillies to make it less spicy.

  5. What is the role of kasuri methi in this recipe?

    Kasuri methi adds a hotel-style depth and aroma to the curry.

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thegourmetschoice's profile picture

Rajani

(@thegourmetschoice)

I’m Rajani, a passionate cook with over 15 years of experience creating delicious, approachable dishes. My love for food began in childhood, inspired by watching...

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