Vatanyache Gole

This is my grandmother's recipe. My grandfather relished simple, homemade food and this was one of his favourites. I'm not sure how and why a simple batata vatana bhaaji came to be called vatanyache gole in our household.
It's over a year since my grandfather passed away and my grandmother is too old to cook now. I often cook a lot of simple things she's taught me over the years. And, as I sit down to eat I'm filled with very happy memories of a simple home-cooked meal and a lot of endless, meaningful conversations over lunch/dinner with my grandparents.

Ingredients:


Shelled peas - 250 gms
Medium sized potatoes (washed, peeled and chopped) - 4
Mustard seeds- 1/2 tsp
Asafoetita - a pinch
Green chillies (split into two) - 2
Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
Red chilli powder - 1/4 tsp
Garam Masala - 1/2 tsp
Corriander leaves (chopped finely) - 1 tbsp
Water - 1 cup
Salt - to taste
Oil - 1 tbsp

Method:


Heat oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds. When they splutter, add the asafoetida and the green chillies. Stir for a minute. Now, add the turmeric powder, garam masala and red chilli powder and stir for another minute. Add the potatoes and green peas and a cup of water. Add salt to taste. Cook until both the peas and the potatoes are cooked. Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves.