How to Make Indian Style Grilled Potatoes (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Indian Style Grilled Potatoes, known locally as Kentang Panggang Rempah India, are a favourite among Malaysia's vibrant Indian community. This vegetarian lunch dish is inspired by North Indian flavours but incorporates Malaysian multicultural influences, using local spices and fresh herbs such as daun ketumbar (coriander leaves) and serai (lemongrass). The grilling method highlights the natural sweetness of potatoes while keeping the recipe light and health-conscious, making it a perfect addition to calorie-conscious meal plans. In Malaysia, this dish is commonly enjoyed during festive gatherings or as a hearty lunch. The aromatic marinade, featuring kunyit (turmeric), jintan manis (fennel seeds), and a touch of pandan for fragrance, brings together the essence of Malaysian Indian cuisine—a beautiful blend of spices and fresh produce. Whether served as a main or a side, Indian Style Grilled Potatoes deliver satisfying flavour and nutrition, reflecting Malaysia’s multicultural culinary landscape and its embrace of healthy, plant-based options.
Ingredients
- 400g Potatoes (Kentang)
- 1/3 cup Yogurt (Low fat or Greek yogurt)
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder (Kunyit)
- 1 tsp Chili powder (Serbuk cili)
- 1 tsp Coriander powder (Serbuk ketumbar)
- 1/2 tsp Cumin powder (Serbuk jintan manis)
- 1 stalk Lemongrass (Serai, finely chopped)
- 1 leaf Pandan leaf (Daun pandan, tied in a knot)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Bawang putih, minced)
- 2 tbsp Coriander leaves (Daun ketumbar, chopped)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil (Minyak zaitun)
- 1/2 tsp Salt (Garam)
- 1 tbsp Lime juice (Jus limau nipis)
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · Wash and peel the potatoes
Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut into thick wedges or cubes for even grilling.
Step 2 · In a mixing bowl
In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, chopped garlic, lemongrass, salt, and olive oil.
Step 3 · Add potato pieces to the marinade and toss well until fully coated
Add potato pieces to the marinade and toss well until fully coated. Optional: Add pandan leaf for fragrance.
Step 4 · Preheat grill or oven to 200°C
Preheat grill or oven to 200°C. Arrange potatoes in a single layer on a lined tray.
Step 5 · Grill or bake potatoes for 20 minutes
Grill or bake potatoes for 20 minutes, turning halfway for even browning. Remove pandan leaf before serving.
Step 6 · Sprinkle chopped coriander leaves and drizzle lime juice before ser...
Sprinkle chopped coriander leaves and drizzle lime juice before serving.
Why this recipe is healthy
Indian Style Grilled Potatoes are a healthy lunch choice because they are oven-grilled rather than fried, reducing excess oil and calories. The use of low-fat yogurt for marination enhances protein content while keeping the dish light. Incorporating local herbs and spices boosts nutritional value without adding extra calories. This recipe is ideal for anyone tracking calories, seeking weight loss, or maintaining balanced nutrition in their Malaysian diet.
A note on tradition
In Malaysia, Indian Style Grilled Potatoes are popular among the Indian community, especially in states like Penang and Selangor. They are commonly prepared during Deepavali (Festival of Lights) and family gatherings. The dish reflects Malaysia’s multicultural heritage, blending North Indian spices with local ingredients like pandan and lemongrass, creating a unique Malaysian Indian flavour that resonates in festive and everyday meals.