Kathiyawadi Lasaniya Batata

Kathiyawadi Lasaniya Batata is a delectable dish featuring fried potatoes in a spicy, garlic-infused onion gravy.

A celebrated dish from Kathiyawad, Lasaniya Batata is a staple of Kathiyawadi cuisine, which originates from the Kathiawar region of Saurashtra and other parts of Southern Gujarat. Simply put, Lasaniya Batata translates to ‘Garlic Potatoes.’ In some Gujarati regions, it’s also known as ‘Lasaniya Bataka.’ For those who relish garlic and spicy flavours, this dish is a must-try!

Recently, there’s been an increase in restaurants that offer authentic Kathiyawadi cuisine. The highways stretching from Ahmedabad to Mumbai are lined with open-air ‘dhaba’ style eateries serving up Kathiyawadi specialties. Designed to complement the climate of Saurashtra, Kathiyawadi dishes often feature ingredients like potatoes, millets, tomatoes, and eggplant, catering to the region’s arid conditions. Notably, Kathiyawadi cuisine is recognized for its bold flavours, eschewing sweetness in favour of a spice-forward profile with ample onions, garlic, and green chilies, creating a piquant experience. During the winter, the intense spices provide warmth to counter the cold weather.

Our frequent trips to these highway ‘dhabas’ are a testament to our love for Kathiyawadi food, with Lasaniya Batata being a personal favourite.

Authentic Kathiyawadi cuisine is characteristically spicy, and I’ve endeavoured to capture its essence in my cooking. The spice level of this recipe can be tailored to your preference. Despite seeming complex, it’s quite straightforward to prepare. The process involves three main steps: preparing the red chili, tomato, and garlic masala paste; deep or shallow frying the potatoes; and then simmering the potatoes in the gravy.

Other recipes you might like to try are Stuffed Lasaniya Batata,

Kathiyawadi Sev Tameta Nu Shaak,

Surti Undhiyu and

Rajasthani Lehsun ki Chutney.