Aloo Anaardana is a rustic North Indian potato dish that hits the sweet spot between comfort and spice. Baby potatoes are tossed in a dry masala made with anaardana (dried pomegranate seeds), cumin, and chilli, giving them a sharp, tangy kick balanced by gentle warmth. What comes off are crispy-edged potatoes with a burst of sour, spicy flavour in every bite.
Fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon finish it off, making it a bold side that stands up perfectly to grilled mains or hearty dals. This dish is humble but still delivers layers of taste — earthy, zesty, and moreish.
Aloo Anaardana is rooted in Punjabi and Himachali home cooking, where dried pomegranate is often used in dry vegetable dishes to add natural tang without tomatoes or vinegar. Anaardana lends a fruity acidity that cuts through the richness of starchy potatoes. It’s often served at room temperature or warm and always generously spiced — a staple on thalis and as a side with kebabs or parathas.
It’s the anaardana that makes this dish sing, adding a bright, tart contrast to the earthiness of potatoes and the depth of toasted cumin and chilli. Unlike saucy curries, this one’s dry and punchy, with crispy edges and bold, snackable flavour. It’s perfect for those who want something vegan, satisfying, and properly spiced — a real under-the-radar favourite from North India.
A: It has a medium chilli warmth, balanced by tangy anaardana — not overly hot.
A: No. This is a dry, spiced dish, ideal as a side or appetiser.
A: Yes. It’s delicious when warm or at room temperature.
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