Tilwale Aaloo (Potato with Sesame Seed)

Servings: 3-4
Boiling potato time: 7 minutes.
Preparation time: 2 minutes.
Frying time: 7-8 minutes.
Total time: 17 minutes

“Sometimes, the simplest dishes carry the richest memories; just like my “Tilwale Aaloo (Potato with Sesame Seed)” did that day.”

I prepared “Tilwale Aaloo (Potato with Sesame Seed)”; a flavourful fry for my extended family when they visited us in Japan.

Interestingly, sesame seeds hold a special place in Japanese cuisine as well. They are often used to enhance both flavour and aroma; sprinkled over rice or ground into creamy dressings like goma-ae.

The nutty richness of sesame carries a sense of balance and warmth in Japanese cooking, much like in Indian cuisine. When I served Tilwale Aaloo to my family in Japan, it felt like a beautiful connection between two cultures, where the humble sesame seed became a shared symbol of taste, tradition, and togetherness.

The golden-fried potatoes coated with roasted sesame seeds and gentle spices filled the kitchen with a comforting aroma that reminded everyone of home.

The nutty crunch of sesame beautifully complemented the soft, spiced potatoes, making it an instant favourite at the table.

Served with warm Chapatis and a simple Dal, this humble dish carried a touch of tradition and togetherness across borders.

The recipe is super easy to cook and super delicious in taste and a healthy twist on the occasion of Makar Sankranti; you can prepare this recipe for lunch boxes of children or on regular basis.

For me it was perfect start for weekend; when we were in Japan and shifted to serviced apartment and our extended family came to visit us. I paired it with Indian bread, Dal and Rice. You can pair with any bread…

Ingredients:

Potato: 250 gm
Green chilli: 2no.
Sesame seed: 50 gm.
Curry leaves/ coriander leaves: 50 gm.
Red chilli powder: 1 tablespoon (optional)
Dry mango powder/ chat masala: 1 teaspoon
Garam masala: ½ teaspoon
Dry kasuri methy: 1tablespoon
Cumin: 1 teaspoon
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Turmeric powder: 1/4 teaspoon
Coriander powder:1 tablespoon
Cumin powder:1/2 teaspoon
Sesame oil/ Mustard oil: 3-4 tablespoon

Preparation:

Slit green chilli, chop coriander leaves into fine pieces, keep aside.
Boil/ microwave the potatoes; peel and chop the potatoes, keep aside.

Method:

Heat oil in a fry pan till smoke appears; add cumin and sesame seed, sputter for few seconds, add chopped potatoes, fry it for 3-4 minutes on medium flame.
Add salt, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, mango powder and chilli powder, continue to fry on low flame for a minute; add green chilli, Garam masala powder and coriander leaves, Put off the flame.
“Til Wale Aaloo (Potato with Sesame Seed)” is ready to be served.