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    Home » Cuisine » Indian

    Spicy Bombay Potatoes

    April 25, 2023 . By Meeta Arora . 49 Comments | This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe
    Spicy Bombay Potatoes or Masala Aloo, is baby potatoes cooked with aromatic spices. Perfect to serve as appetizer or a side dish, these delicious Bombay Potatoes take just 20 minutes to make in the Instant Pot | #babypotatoes #instantpot #potatoes #pressurecooker #bombaypotatoes #spicypotatoes | pipingpotcurry.com

    If you like potatoes, this is going to be your new favorite - Bombay Potatoes or Masala Aloo. Baby Potatoes cooked with aromatic spices, as a one-pot dish, are perfect to serve as an appetizer or a side dish. These delicious and easy spicy Bombay Potatoes take just 20 minutes to make in the Instant Pot or on stovetop. Vegan & Gluten-free.

    Spicy Bombay Potatoes made in Instant Pot Pressure Cooker in a bowl topped with chopped cilantro

    I am usually not a big fan of potatoes. However...with this masala aloo, I could not resist myself and kept eating them. I made about four servings, but clearly ate up two of them myself. It is so easy to keep popping them in your mouth, and they are so yummy with the sprinkle of lime juice, it is hard to stop eating!

    They are the best Indian potato appetizer. If you don't like spicy, then I am definitely going to give some options to reduce the spice and still enjoy these amazing baby potatoes made in the instant pot.

    To just steam baby potatoes, check out the post for Instant Pot Steamed Baby Potatoes.

    If you like potatoes, do check out these Indian potato recipes - Garlic Chili Potatoes, Potato Masala, and this Tandoori Aloo Tikka. A recent potato curry favorite for us has been Potato Curry in Yogurt Sauce (Dahi Aloo) which has such a unique taste and takes just 15 minutes to make!

    Jump to:
    • What are Bombay Potatoes?
    • Ingredients
    • How to make?
    • What to serve with Bombay Potatoes?
    • How to store & reheat?
    • Spicy Bombay Potatoes

    What are Bombay Potatoes?

    Bombay potatoes, also called Bombay aloo is an Indian dry dish prepared using boiled cubed potatoes, flavored with various spices such as cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, salt and raw mango powder.

    Traditionally potatoes are first boiled, peeled and then sautéed in spices. However with my love for one-pot dishes, I have simplified this recipe to make in a single pot or in an instant pot.

    These Spicy Bombay Potatoes can double up as a baby potato appetizer or as a side dish. Add toothpicks to serve it as an appetizer for a party. Or serve these spicy baby potatoes as a side with lentils and rice.

    Closeup of Spicy Bombay Potatoes made in Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

    Ingredients

    Let's start with gathering the ingredients, which are just a few for this easy Bombay Potatoes recipe. You need baby potatoes, spices, ghee/oil and some cilantro.

    What makes these potatoes amazing are the spices. I like to use a variety of spices - Cumin seeds, Cumin powder, Coriander Powder, Turmeric, Red Chili Powder, and then end with some garam masala, and dry mango powder (aamchur) to get the wonderful tangy flavor. You can also use lime juice for the tangy flavor if you don't have aamchur powder.

    What type of potatoes are best for Bombay Potatoes?

    I used baby potatoes, which hold their shape well when cooked. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes (also called baking potatoes), as these ones also dont fall apart when cooked.

    Ingredients for Spicy Bombay Potatoes - baby potatoes, spices and oil/ghee

    How to make?

    When making Bombay Potatoes on the stovetop, first boil the baby potatoes. You want them to be just tender, do not overcook.

    Then in a pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds. Reduce heat and add the spices. Sauté them for 30 seconds, be careful to not burn them. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water and the potatoes.

    Mix well so the spices coat over the potatoes. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. The water will evaporate and the spices will coat the potatoes.  Add dry mango powder (amchur), cilantro and lime juice. Bombay potatoes are ready to be served.

    Instant Pot Method

    To make these in the instant pot, we will make it as a one-pot recipe. Use raw baby potatoes, wash them well.

    Start the instant pot in sauté mode and heat ghee/oil in it. Add the baby potatoes and salt. Sauté for about 3 minutes to crisp them on the sides. This is optional, but you will love it.

    Now add the spices and water (you can also use broth). Mix well and pressure cook for 4 minutes at high pressure. Then do a 10 minute NPR, which means release the pressure after 10 minutes of the beep.

    Spicy Bombay Potatoes - before pressure cooking
    Spicy Bombay Potatoes after pressure cooking

    The image on the left above is before pressure cooking and the right is after pressure cooking. You can see that the potatoes hold their shape well even after pressure cooking.

    When you open the instant pot, there will be some liquid left. Change back to Saute mode and the water will dry up in just 2 minutes and the spices will perfectly coat the potatoes.

    Add the dry mango powder, garam masala, cilantro and serve topped with lime juice. They are sooo good!

    What to serve with Bombay Potatoes?

    These Indian Spicy Baby Potatoes will pair perfectly with something which is mildly spiced. I like to serve these Bombay Potatoes as a side along with a protein such as chicken curry, baked chicken or a lentil soup (dal).

    You can use them as a filling for tacos or wraps.

    Don't forget they are also a great appetizer for a party!

    Instant Pot Spicy Baby Potatoes garnished with cilantro

    Pro-tips

    √ Saute them before pressure cooking, so they brown on the sides. This is optional, but recommended.

    √ Add the water after just sautéing the spices for a few seconds, else they can burn.

    √ Do not overcook the potatoes, otherwise they will break. Although baby potatoes can stay intact with up to 8-10 mins of pressure cooking.

    √ I prefer to not peel the potatoes and get the nutrients in the skin. However you can choose to peel them.

    √ Lime juice is a must, especially when serving as an appetizer. It adds a wonderful tanginess to the potatoes.

    √ If you like less spice, then reduce/skip the red chili powder and add the garam masala at the end to taste.

    Spicy Bombay Potatoes Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

    How to store & reheat?

    If any Bombay Potatoes are left (which typically does not happen in our house 😂), you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    To reheat, pop them in the microwave. You can also reheat in a skillet to crisp them.

    Hope you enjoy these indian baby potato appetizer as much as we do.

    We love to make these as a side for our Thanksgiving dinner!

    Here are some more indian appetizer recipes you will enjoy:

    • Paneer Naan Pizza
    • Vada Pav
    • Paneer Puffs
    • Samosa Jalapeno Poppers
    Tried this recipe?Give a rating by clicking the ★ below
    Spicy Bombay Potatoes made in Instant Pot Pressure Cooker in a bowl topped with chopped cilantro

    Spicy Bombay Potatoes

    Meeta Arora
    Baby Potatoes cooked with aromatic spices, as a one-pot dish, are perfect to serve as an appetizer or a side dish. These delicious and easy Bombay Potatoes take just 20 minutes to make in the Instant Pot or on stovetop.
    4.94 from 44 votes
    Print Save Saved! Pin
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 166
    Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
    Cuisine: Indian
    Diet: Gluten-free, Vegan
    Method: Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker, Stovetop
    Prep Time: 5 mins
    Cook Time: 15 mins
    Total Time: 20 mins

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 lb Baby Potatoes rinsed
    • 2 tablespoon Ghee or Oil use oil for vegan
    • 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds (Jeera)
    • ½ teaspoon Salt adjust to taste
    • ⅓ cup Water (3 tbsp for stovetop)

    To finish

    • 1 teaspoon Dry Mango powder (Amchur) or use extra lime juice
    • ½ teaspoon Garam Masala
    • ½ Lime
    • Cilantro leaves to garnish (optional)

    Spices

    • 1 teaspoon Coriander powder (Dhaniya powder)
    • ½ teaspoon Ground Cumin (Jeera powder)
    • ½ teaspoon Ground Turmeric (Haldi powder)
    • 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder mild, adjust to taste
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    For Instant Pot

    • Start the instant pot in Saute mode and heat ghee/oil in it. Add cumin seeds. 
    • Add potatoes and salt. Saute for 3-4 mins so they slightly brown on the sides. 
    • Add the spices and mix well with the potatoes. Then add water and stir it all up. (Don't wait much before adding water, else the spices can burn)
    • Press Cancel and close lid with vent in sealing position. Change the instant pot setting to manual or pressure cook mode at high pressure for for 4 mins.
    • After the instant pot beeps, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes then release the pressure manually.
    • Add dry mango powder and garam masala. Change to sauté mode to dry any remaining water. It will just take 1-2 minutes. (Note: Turn off saute after 1-2 minutes and take the steel insert out of the instant pot, so it does not burn the bottom)
    • Garnish with chopped cilantro and sprinkle lime juice while serving.  

    For Stovetop

    • Boil the potatoes in water until almost tender. You want them to be just tender, do not overcook. Drain and put aside. 
    • In a pan, heat ghee/oil and add cumin seeds. Reduce heat and add the spices. Sauté for 30 seconds, be careful to not burn them. 
    • Add water and boiled potatoes. Mix well so the spices coat over the potatoes. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. The water will evaporate and the spices will coat the potatoes.
    • Add dry mango powder (amchur), garam masala, cilantro and lime juice just before serving.

    Video

    Notes

    Replacement for Dry Mango powder: This basically adds some tanginess to the potatoes. You can replace with more lime juice. 
    Peeling Potatoes: I prefer to not peel the potatoes and get the nutrients in the skin. However you can choose to peel them.
    Too spicy?  If you like less spice, then reduce/skip the red chili powder and add the garam masala at the end to taste.
    Vegan Variation: Skip ghee and use your favorite vegetable oil to make this vegan.  
    Created: This recipe was created in a 6qt Instant Pot DUO60 Multi-use Pressure Cooker.

    Note: Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 166kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 311mgPotassium: 515mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1.9mg
    Keyword bombay potatoes, instant pot baby potatoes, pressure cooker baby potatoes
    Tried this recipe?Share your photo and tag @PipingPotCurry or #pipingpotcurry

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Rajinder says

      February 27, 2023 at 8:50 am

      Hi Meetaji, how are you?thank you for another yummy recipe, enjoyed the dish and definitely make it again.
      ☺️

      Reply
    2. Laura says

      January 23, 2023 at 7:37 pm

      The only potatoes I have right now is sweet potatoes, Do you think that would work? The recipe looks soooooooooooooooo delicious.
      Thank you.

      Reply
      • Meeta Arora says

        February 06, 2023 at 5:37 pm

        Hi Laura - Sure, I de believe that sweet potatoes will work well too. I would suggest to cut the sweet potatoes the same size as baby potatoes. Would love to hear how they turn out.

        Reply
    3. Meena says

      November 23, 2022 at 4:57 am

      Meets, I make these potatoes all the time. I did not know as they called Bombay Potatoes! Sure a delightful tasty side dish!

      Reply
    4. Laurie-Ann says

      April 12, 2022 at 10:45 pm

      I love these potatoes. I've made them three weeks in a row. So delicious. The combination of spices with the fresh lime juice is so tasty. Thanks for such a wonderful recipe!

      Reply
      • Meeta Arora says

        April 19, 2022 at 10:45 am

        Hi Laurie-Ann - So happy to hear you enjoyed the potatoes.

        Reply
    5. Maneesha says

      February 11, 2022 at 12:53 pm

      Hi Meeta! I made this last night, and it was great! I love the spice combo!

      Reply
      • Meeta Arora says

        February 12, 2022 at 9:22 pm

        Hi Maneesha - So glad to hear you enjoyed the Bombay Potatoes.

        Reply
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    Meeta Arora of Piping Pot Curry

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