Indian politician and author Shashi Tharoor recently shared one of his most cherished childhood dishes from Kerala, giving food lovers a peek into his kitchen memories. While attending an event on August 12, Tharoor spoke about his love for traditional South Indian cuisine and highlighted a vegetarian potato recipe that he calls his all-time favorite.
The Congress MP revealed that the dish is Urulakizhangu Upperi, a Kerala-style potato stir fry prepared with simple ingredients like potato, onions, red chillies, and turmeric. He explained that the recipe was passed down to him by his father, who was also an excellent cook.
A Versatile Kerala Dish Loved by Shashi Tharoor
Tharoor described Urulakizhangu Upperi as “easy to prepare, flavorful, and perfect for any meal.” He emphasized its versatility, saying it pairs wonderfully with rice, roti, puri, or even as a side dish in a traditional sadya meal. According to him, this dish is both comforting and delicious, making it a household staple in Kerala cuisine.
Shashi Tharoor’s Kerala Potato Stir Fry Recipe
The recipe involves a few simple steps:
- Boil the potatoes with turmeric and salt until tender.
- Peel and dice the boiled potatoes into small cubes.
- Prepare a coarse paste of red chillies and small onions (shallots) in a blender.
- Sauté the diced potatoes in the spice mixture with a little oil until well coated.
- Adjust salt to taste and, optionally, add tamarind for extra tang.
- Roast longer if you prefer a crispier, slightly charred finish.
Tharoor fondly recalled how his father personally taught him to make this recipe. “It is the most delicious dish imaginable. You can eat it with rice, roti, puri—whatever you want,” he said, even admitting that just describing it made his “mouth water.”
This simple yet flavorful vegetarian recipe not only showcases Kerala’s culinary heritage but also reflects the nostalgic food memories of one of India’s most prominent leaders.