Afghan-style Potato Delight

Ingredients

In this Afghan adaptation of Pommes Anna, we incorporate Afghan spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric to infuse the dish with the flavors of Afghanistan. Additionally, we use traditional Afghan cooking techniques to enhance the taste and texture of the potatoes. We alse have the original recipe for Pommes Anna, so you can check it out.

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced 1 kg (2.2 lbs) potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional) Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, mix together the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, salt, and black pepper.
3. 3.
   Grease a round baking dish with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
4. 4.
   Arrange a layer of overlapping potato slices in the bottom of the dish.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle a small amount of the spice mixture over the potatoes.
6. 6.
   Repeat the layering process until all the potatoes and spices are used, finishing with a layer of potatoes on top.
7. 7.
   Drizzle the remaining vegetable oil over the top layer of potatoes.
8. 8.
   Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
9. 9.
   Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
11. 11.
    Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Make sure to slice the potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure even cooking throughout the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mixture.
• Serve the Potato Delight with a dollop of yogurt on top for a creamy contrast.
• Experiment with different herbs such as mint or dill for added freshness.
• To save time, use a mandoline slicer to achieve thin and uniform potato slices.
• Leftovers can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve the Afghan-style Potato Delight as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or kebabs.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, carefully unmold the Potato Delight onto a serving platter, allowing the layers to be visible. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color.