A video of a traditional potato dish has caught the attention of industrialist Harsh Goenka, sparking a conversation about Indian food on social media. While some users discussed the unusual cooking technique, others recommended regional delicacies and shared memories of recipes they enjoyed as children. The reactions ranged from suggestions for trying different dishes to ideas for giving the preparation a modern twist.
Harsh Goenka reacts to potatoes cooked in sand
Goenka shared the video on X, reacting to the cooking method with the words, “Potatoes baked in sand….. looks yummy!”Known as bhuna aloo or aloo in baloo, the preparation involves cooking whole potatoes in a large pan filled with hot sand. Once cooked, the potatoes are removed, cleaned and broken into chunks. They are then served with chaat masala, lime juice and coriander chutney.
X users recommend regional potato dishes
The video prompted users to suggest other potato-based dishes from different parts of India.One user wrote, “Khane ke mamle me humse jyada innovative koi nhi hai.”Another recommended regional specialities, commenting, “Sar ji kabhi up ka aalu chokha ya assam ka aalu pithika try kare.” The user also called them the “best food on earth.”A separate comment linked the preparation to Jaipur, with a user writing, “Jaipur ka item hai sir.”Appreciating the traditional cooking style, another person said, “Vah! Desi andaaz mein ret mein bhune aalu ka swad hi kuch aur hota hai.”
Some users suggest cheese and an air fryer
Not everyone preferred the traditional approach. One user suggested adding cheese, writing, “Cheese will make it more yummy.”Another recommended an alternative cooking method, commenting, “Sir, put your washed potatoes in an air fryer and get the taste much better than sand backed. I am sure you will love it.”One user also claimed, “Full nutrition is guaranteed by preparing hot potatoes this way.” However, this was a personal comment and not a verified nutritional finding.
Video reminds users of childhood recipes
For some users, the clip brought back memories of food they had eaten while growing up.One person commented, “Really yum. Reminded me of my childhood days.”Another recalled roasting potatoes using cow dung and serving them with a chutney made from green chilli and coriander. The user wrote, “I love it. My childhood recipe. We used to roast potatoes in cow dung and then make chatani with green chilli and green coriander.”Disclaimer: The views expressed by social media users are their own and do not reflect the views of The Times of India.Thumb image: Instagram