Jhuri Aalu Bhaja!!

Crispy, fried potato juliennes ..!!

These crisp potato fries are loved by everyone, mostly served alongside dal with steam rice. Of course it is deep fried but these are crispy and crunchy with just the perfect balance of mild flavors.

Jhuri aalu bhaja holds a special place in every bong's heart. And here I bring you the simplest way to make them. Since its already summers... enjoy them with some Tok aamer daal and gorom bhat!!

Lets get started.

Ingredients

Potatoes : 4 large (500 gms), try using the large potatoes because they make slicing easier.
Peanuts : Half cup , you can however increase or decrease the amount as per your preference.
Curry leaves : I have taken a fresh sprig
Red chilly powder : 1/4 tsp
Rock salt : 1/4 tsp
Salt : 1/4 tsp
Crushed black pepper : 1/4 tsp
Chat masala : 1/4 tsp
Oil for frying (I would suggest put more oil in the pan , that will ensure less greesy fries and you can always reuse the leftover oil )

Procedure

Wash the potatoes.
Leave the skin on and slice them using a potato chips slicer.
You can slice them using a sharp knife, but slicer is a convenient option.
After you have sliced them, rinse them very well for at least 3-4 times to get rid of the starch.

Use a Kitchen towel and spread the sliced washed potatoes on the towel.
The slices should be dry, they might look a little limp too.
Dry slices will ensure crispy fries.

Take a bunch of slices together and chop them into thin slices.
They should look like matchsticks.
You can make them as thin as possible.

Now heat oil and fry the peanuts and the curry leaves.
Peanuts should be done by 30 seconds and curry leaves by 20 seconds. Over frying them will make them bitter. So avoid over frying

Now add the potatoes in the oil. Fry them in batches, dont over crowd else they won't become crisp.
The bubbles which you will see initially will subside after 5 minutes and the potatoes will start changing colours.
Be watchful at this time and take them out of the oil once they are golden brown. Avoid getting a darker shade than this else again it might change the taste.

Make the masala ready, rock salt, salt, crushed pepped red chilly powder and chat masala .

Now mix everything together...... And we are done.!!!