Introduction:

 

Let me take you on a journey to the enchanting land of Jammu and Kashmir, where the air is filled with the aroma of crispy potatoes and the warmth of hospitality. Amidst the myriad varieties of crispy potatoes found in this region, one stands out with its unique blend of flavors - the Vikram Affair Dragon Potatoes. Now, you might wonder, why are they called "dragon"? Well, the answer lies not in fire-breathing mythical creatures but in the fiery and crispy nature of these potatoes. Allow me to share an anecdote that adds to the mystique of this delightful dish. Picture this: the bustling streets of Jammu and Kashmir, the chatter of locals, and the sizzle of hot oil as Vikram meticulously slices the potatoes with precision, transforming them into delectable Dragon Potatoes. It's a culinary affair unlike any other, where simplicity meets spice, and every bite leaves you craving for more.

 

Now, let's dive into the recipe and unlock the secrets of these tantalizing Dragon Potatoes!

 

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Ingredients:

 

For Potato Fries:

• Oil, for frying
• 4 large Potatoes
• Salt, to taste

For Indian Masala:

• 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
• 1 pinch Citric Acid
• 1/2 tbsp Salt
• 1 tsp Castor Sugar
• 1 tsp Chaat Masala
• 1 tsp Coriander Powder
• 1 tsp Garam Masala
• 1 tsp Kasoori Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves)

For Peri Peri Masala:

• 2 tbsp Red Chilli Powder
• 1 tsp Castor Sugar
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 pinch Citric Acid
• 2 tbsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder

 

 

Instructions of Dragon Potatoes

 

1. Prepare Potatoes:
Peel and wash the potatoes, then cut them into finger-shaped pieces. Season with cornflour, salt, pepper, and red chilli powder. Add a little water to help the cornflour stick, and coat the potatoes evenly.

2. Deep Fry Potatoes:
Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the coated potato fingers until they turn crispy and golden brown. Once done, remove them from the oil and place them on a tissue paper to drain excess oil.

3. Make Schezwan Sauce:
In a wok, heat some oil and sauté chopped garlic, green chillies, and ginger. Add dried red chilli paste, water, tomato ketchup, salt, and soya sauce. Stir well to create a spicy Schezwan sauce.

4. Prepare Peri Peri Sauce:
In the same wok, mix vinegar, soya sauce, and red chilli sauce (optional) into the Schezwan sauce. Adjust the seasoning as needed. Add a cornflour slurry to thicken the sauce and give it a glossy finish.

5. Combine and Serve:
Add chopped spring onion greens to the sauce, then toss the fried potatoes in the wok until they're evenly coated with the sauce. Transfer the dragon potatoes to a serving bowl, garnish with more spring onion greens, and serve hot.

 

Enjoy the crispy and spicy Dragon Potatoes prepared with Chef Ajay Chopra's recipe!

 

 

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About the Recipe:

 

Dragon Potatoes, a beloved delicacy of Jammu and Kashmir, are renowned for their irresistible crispiness and bold flavors. The recipe begins with carefully slicing potatoes into thin, uniform pieces, ensuring that each slice crisps up perfectly when fried. These potato slices are then seasoned with a blend of spices, including salt, chili sauce, and a hint of vinegar for that extra kick. The magic happens when the seasoned potatoes are deep-fried to golden perfection, resulting in crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors that are guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds.

 

 

Cooking Tips:

 

1. Uniform Slicing: Slice the potatoes into thin, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
2. Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences, adding more chili sauce for extra heat or reducing the amount for a milder flavor.
3. Frying Technique: Fry the potatoes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, to achieve crispy and evenly cooked Dragon Potatoes.
4. Draining Excess Oil: After frying, drain the excess oil by placing the potatoes on a paper towel-lined plate to keep them crispy and light.
5. Serve Immediately: Dragon Potatoes are best enjoyed hot and crispy, so serve them immediately after frying for the ultimate dining experience.

 

 

Pairing Guide:

 

Dragon Potatoes are versatile enough to be served as a standalone snack or as a flavorful side dish. Here are some delicious pairing options to elevate your dining experience:

 

• Garlic Dip: Serve with a creamy garlic dip for a burst of flavor that complements the spicy potatoes.
• Green Chutney: Pair with fresh green chutney made from mint, coriander, and green chilies for a refreshing contrast.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Dip the crispy potatoes in sweet chili sauce for a balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
• Cold Beverages: Enjoy with a chilled beverage like lemonade or iced tea to cool down the heat from the spices.
• Sliced Vegetables: Serve alongside sliced cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers for a crunchy and refreshing accompaniment.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions about Dragon Potatoes:

 

1. What are Dragon Potatoes?

   • Dragon Potatoes are crispy potato slices seasoned with spices and deep-fried to golden perfection, popular in Jammu and Kashmir for their bold flavors and irresistible crispiness.

2. Why are they called Dragon Potatoes?

   • Dragon Potatoes are named for their fiery and crispy nature, resembling the fierce and bold characteristics often associated with dragons.

3. How do you make Dragon Potatoes crispy?

   • To achieve maximum crispiness, slice the potatoes thinly and uniformly, season them with spices, and fry them in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.

4. What spices are used in Dragon Potatoes?

   • Common spices used in Dragon Potatoes include salt, chili sauce, vinegar, and sometimes additional spices like garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.

5. Can Dragon Potatoes be baked instead of fried?

   • While traditionally fried, Dragon Potatoes can be baked in the oven at a high temperature to achieve a crispy texture with less oil.

6. Are Dragon Potatoes vegetarian?

   • Yes, Dragon Potatoes are vegetarian as they are made from potatoes and seasoned with vegetarian-friendly ingredients.

7. Can I make Dragon Potatoes ahead of time?

   • While best enjoyed fresh and crispy, you can prepare the seasoned potatoes in advance and fry them just before serving to ensure maximum crispiness.

8. How do you store leftover Dragon Potatoes?

   • Store leftover Dragon Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven to maintain their crispiness.

9. Can I freeze Dragon Potatoes?

   • It is not recommended to freeze already fried Dragon Potatoes as they may become soggy when reheated. It's best to enjoy them fresh for the best texture and flavor.

10. What are some variations of Dragon Potatoes?

    • Variations of Dragon Potatoes include adding different spices or seasonings such as chaat masala, garlic powder, or herbs like rosemary for unique flavor profiles.

 

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