Bombay Potatoes (Spicy Indian Roast Potatoes)

Parboil the potatoes

1. Bring a pot of water to boil along with turmeric powder. Quarter potatoes (no need to peel) and drop them in water. Boil for 10-15 minutes, after you start to see bubbles appear in the water (rolling boil). Note: At 10 minute mark, check if potatoes are fork-tender. Otherwise, let them cook a bit more, checking every minute. You don't want to over boil them.

Prepare spice mix

1. In a medium sized bowl (that can hold all the potatoes) add the chickpea flour, remaining turmeric, salt, and red chili powder and give it a good whisk.

Make Bombay Potatoes!

1. Once the potatoes are done boiling, remove from heat using a colander or slotted spoon. Rinse the potatoes under cold water to stop them from further cooking and peel the potatoes (the peels should come right off)
2. Drop the peeled potatoes into the bowl with the spice mix and give it a good toss to coat them evenly. Now, add about 4 teaspoons of water to make sure the spices stick to the potatoes. Don't add too much water!
3. In a skillet, heat vegetable oil on medium heat.
4. Once the oil starts to glisten, add mustard seeds. Then, once the mustard seeds starts sputtering, add cumin seeds. Toast for about 20 seconds taking care not to burn the seeds. Note: You can skip the mustard seeds if you don't have them, and add the cumin seeds straight to the oil. If you plan to use cumin powder, skip this step entirely and add the cumin powder after you add the potatoes.
5. Toss the potatoes into the skillet, taking care not to overcrowd them. Give them a good stir and let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. Then give them one more good stir and let them cook another 3 to 4 minutes. Your potatoes should be golden brown by this time. If not, give it a few more minutes until they are.
6. Once they are golden brown, turn the heat off, garnish with some curry leaves (note: these are not bay leaves!) or cilantro if you wish, and serve hot with naan, rice or any other main dish of choice.