Kashmiri Dum Aloo with Saffron and Pine Nuts

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Potatoes simmered in a yogurt-based sauce with Kashmiri spices and toasted pine nuts for a creamy, comforting vegetarian meal. This Indian-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs potatoes, plain yogurt, ginger-garlic paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup plain yogurt with 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste, then coat 1.5 pounds potato cubes and let marinate for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup finely chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 tablespoon Kashmiri red chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander to the pot; cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  4. Step 4: Add the marinated potato cubes and cook for 3 minutes, stirring to coat evenly.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 cup tomato puree, 1/2 cup water, and 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads (with 2 tablespoons warm milk they were soaked in), then bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Step 6: Cover and cook on low heat for 25 minutes until potatoes are tender.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 1/4 cup pine nuts and cook uncovered for 5 minutes until sauce thickens.
  8. Step 8: Season with salt to taste and garnish with 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Kashmiri Dum Aloo with Saffron and Pine Nuts take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Kashmiri Dum Aloo with Saffron and Pine Nuts?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep potatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Kashmiri Dum Aloo with Saffron and Pine Nuts?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Kashmiri Dum Aloo with Saffron and Pine Nuts for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Kashmiri Dum Aloo with Saffron and Pine Nuts?

Indian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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