Spicy Sweet Potato Mash

It is strange when I was in India I had never tried sweet potatoes and did not know how delicious they can be. When I was living in Swindon, my neighbours who were Portuguese invited me for lunch one afternoon and they served this delicious Spicy Sweet Potato Mash alongside a quiche and some salad. They were kind enough to share the recipe with me, And I am nice enough to share it with you.

I serve this mash with lots of things - some times with some pickle and chapatti, sometimes with poached fish or any grilled meat or with a nice dhal and some rice. Use your imagination.

What you need to make this mash:

2 -3 peeled and boiled sweet potatoes
1/2 tsp of mustard seeds/ or whole cumin
1 finely chopped green chilli
1 small chunk of fresh grated ginger
1 cloves of Garlic - chopped finely
1 small onion ( finely chopped)
1 bay leaf
1 tsp of turmeric powder
1 tsp of garam masala
1 tsp of coriander powder
1 tsp of mango powder
2 tsp of Tamarind Paste ( I got it from Tesco - easily available in the World Food Section)
1 lemon or lime juice
Lots of fresh Coriander ( essential adds that unbeatable freshness and colour)
2 tsp of oil ( i use olive oil but mustard oil will add more flavour)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Heat the oil in a large pan and the bay leaf and mustard seeds until they start popping
Sauté the onions chilles and ginger until brown
Now add the Garlic and all the spices, tamarind paste and two tsp of water and let the masala cook for 10-15 minutes until oil starts appearing on the sides of the pan
Now add the mashed potatoes and mix it with the spices and if needed add some more water and stir it cook it until the mixture is mixed and turns into a patty like consistency
Once ready squeeze the lemon/lime juice and add salt to taste
Serve with lots of freshly chopped coriander