Looking for a flavor-packed, quick, and healthy dish that satisfies your carb cravings and your love for spice? Meet your new favorite: Bombay Potatoes — a delicious Indian potato curry dish that combines crispy potatoes, aromatic spices, and vibrant herbs. Whether you’re new to East Indian recipes or just want a fast, tasty vegan meal, this recipe has it all.
Bombay Potatoes (also known as Bombay Aloo) is a popular side dish or main course in many Indian homes and restaurants. Known for its fiery flavor, bold spices, and crispy golden potatoes, this simple yet satisfying dish can be served with rice, naan, or enjoyed as a standalone meal. Plus, it’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and super easy to customize — making it a perfect addition to your weekly plats healthy lineup.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how to make this simple Indian potato curry, why it’s a go-to in vegan Indian potato recipes, tips for variations, and how to pair it with other crowd-pleasing recipes like our Garlicky Kale with White Beans and Lemon or Sourdough Discard Tortillas for a complete, nourishing meal.
Table of Contents
What Are Bombay Potatoes?
Bombay Potatoes are a flavorful Indian-style curry made with boiled or sautéed potatoes tossed in a blend of Indian spices like turmeric, cumin, mustard seeds, garam masala, and red chili. The dish originated in India and gained popularity globally, particularly in British-Indian cuisine. It’s one of the easiest vegan Bombay potatoes recipes you can whip up with pantry staples.
Unlike heavily sauced curries, Bombay Aloo has a semi-dry texture, making it ideal as a side or even finger food. It’s the perfect spicy vegan potato curry for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.
Want to pair it with something fresh? Try it alongside our refreshing Cucumber Shrimp Salad or our bold Sweet Chili Meatballs (great for non-veg eaters in the family).
Why You’ll Love This Indian Potato Curry Dish
- Naturally Vegan and Gluten-Free
- Super Flavorful with Indian spices
- Ready in 30 Minutes
- Perfect for meal prep or next-day leftovers
- Easily pairs with rice, breads, and salads
- Customizable heat level
If you enjoy bold and simple plant-based dishes, you’ll also love our Vegetarian Pasta Primavera or Crispy Cauliflower Nuggets.
Ingredients for Easy Bombay Potatoes
This Bombay potato recipe uses basic, affordable ingredients:
- 3–4 medium potatoes, boiled and cubed
- 1–2 tbsp oil (avocado, olive, or mustard)
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Optional: garlic, ginger, green chilies, lemon juice
For a nutritious twist, serve with a dollop of our high-protein Cottage Cheese Egg Salad or pair with Creamy Mushroom Soup on colder days.
How to Make Bombay Potatoes (Step-by-Step)
1. Prep Your Potatoes
Boil potatoes until fork-tender, then peel and cube them into bite-sized pieces. You can also use leftover roasted potatoes or air-fried potatoes.
2. Sauté the Spices
Heat oil in a nonstick or cast-iron pan. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Let them crackle for a few seconds to release their flavor.
3. Spice It Up
Add turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala. Sauté for 30–40 seconds until aromatic. Add minced garlic and ginger (if using) for added depth.
4. Add Potatoes
Toss in the boiled potato cubes. Stir well to coat them in the spice mixture. Let them cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly crispy and golden.
5. Finish with Herbs
Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped cilantro and a dash of lemon juice for brightness.
Want something crispy to serve on the side? Try Cheesy Zucchini Bread or our satisfying Garlic Butter Corn with Melty Cheese.
Tips for the Best Vegan Bombay Potatoes
- Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes—they hold shape better.
- Don’t overboil the potatoes—they should be firm enough to crisp up in the pan.
- Adjust the spice to your heat tolerance; add green chilies for extra fire.
- Add peas, spinach, or chickpeas for a more filling curry.
- Finish with a drizzle of mustard oil for that authentic East Indian touch.
Want more vegan-friendly meals? Our Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry is another protein-packed option worth trying.
Variations and Add-Ins
This recipe is incredibly flexible. Try these twists:
- Creamy Bombay Potatoes: Stir in coconut milk or vegan yogurt at the end.
- Oven-Baked Version: Toss boiled potatoes with spices and roast at 425°F for 20 minutes.
- Spicy Garlic Style: Add extra minced garlic, chili flakes, and onion powder.
- Bombay Potato Wrap: Wrap in a warm Cottage Cheese Flatbread with lettuce and pickles.
Serving Suggestions
Here’s how to turn your Bombay Potatoes into a complete meal:
- With Sourdough Discard Tortillas and chutney
- Alongside Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Pancakes for a unique brunch
- Over a bowl of steamed rice or quinoa
- Stuffed into a wrap with Simple Avocado Feta Dip
- Next to Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken for mixed-diet dinners
Looking for more easy Indian meal ideas? Our Vegetable Casserole and Lentil Stew Over Mashed Potatoes make perfect hearty companions.
Common Questions About Bombay Potatoes
Can I make Bombay Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and tastes even better the next day.
How do I reheat them?
Use a pan over medium heat or pop them in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness.
Can I freeze Bombay Potatoes?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen in a skillet.
Can I make it oil-free?
Sauté in vegetable broth instead of oil. While they won’t be crispy, the flavor will still shine.
Are Bombay Potatoes spicy?
They can be! But you control the heat. Cut back on chili powder and skip the green chilies for a milder version.
Pair It With These Reader Favorites
If you’re planning a meal or party spread, here are more recipes from our collection that pair beautifully with Bombay Potatoes:
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin
- Apple Pie Dip with Cinnamon Chips
- Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread
- Mini Pancake Cereal – great for a brunch board
Final Thoughts on This Vegan Indian Potato Recipe
Easy Bombay Potatoes is more than a side dish—it’s a celebration of simple ingredients made extraordinary with the power of Indian spices. Whether you’re exploring vegan Indian potato recipes or building a new list of East Indian recipes for your meal prep, this dish delivers comfort, flavor, and versatility.
With its crisp edges, vibrant color, and bold taste, it belongs in every homemade cookbook — and it’s sure to become a favorite in yours too.
PrintEasy Bombay Potatoes: A Spicy Vegan Indian Potato Curry You’ll Crave
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Easy Bombay Potatoes (Bombay Aloo) are a spicy, vegan, and flavor-packed Indian potato curry. Crispy golden potatoes tossed with aromatic spices like cumin, mustard seeds, turmeric, and garam masala — all finished with fresh herbs and lemon juice. Perfect as a side or standalone vegan main!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 3–4 medium potatoes, boiled and cubed
- 1–2 tbsp oil (avocado, olive, or mustard)
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: minced garlic, ginger, green chilies, lemon juice
Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes: Boil potatoes until fork-tender, peel, and cube. You can also use leftover roasted or air-fried potatoes.
- Sauté the Spices: Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin and mustard seeds. Let them crackle to release aroma.
- Add the Seasonings: Add turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala. Sauté 30–40 seconds until fragrant. Add garlic and ginger if using.
- Toss the Potatoes: Add cubed potatoes and coat well in the spice mix. Cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy and golden.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve hot with rice, naan, or as a snack.
Notes
- Use waxy potatoes (Yukon Gold or red) for the best texture.
- Don’t overboil potatoes; they should stay firm enough to crisp.
- Adjust heat by adding or skipping green chilies.
- Add peas or chickpeas for a more filling curry.
- Drizzle with mustard oil for an authentic East Indian touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Indian Recipes, Vegan, Side Dishes, Curry
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Indian, East Indian, Vegan Cuisine
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Bombay Potatoes, Bombay Aloo, Vegan Indian Potato Curry, Spicy Potato Recipe, Indian Side Dish, Easy Curry Recipe