The first step is to prep the potatoes. Now there are two ways you can do that.
You can parboil the potatoes, then peel and cut them into cubes, or first peel and cut them into cubes and then fry them without parboiling.
I have parboiled them in the microwave for this recipe. To parboil, add potatoes to a bowl along with water, salt and turmeric. Microwave on HIGH for 13-15 minutes. Drain, peel, and cut in cubes.
However, you can also parboil the potatoes in a pressure cooker, Instant pot, or stovetop.
Heat oil or ghee in a pan. Once it's hot, add the mustard seeds and let them crackle. After that, add the cumin seeds and urad dal. Fry till the dal turns light golden.
Then add half of the chopped cilantro, turmeric powder, and sambhar powder.
Fry for 30 seconds and then immediately add the potatoes along with salt. Fry it all together till the potatoes are done and coated with the masala.
It could take about 10 - 12 minutes on medium flame. Keep stirring at regular intervals to ensure even roasting.
Finally, garnish with the remaining chopped cilantro. You can also garnish with shredded coconut.
Keep stirring so the potatoes are evenly cooked. You can stick a fork in them, or try to split them with a spatula or spoon.
It could take about 10 - 12 minutes on medium flame. Keep stirring at regular intervals to ensure even roasting. You can stick a fork in them, or try to split them with a spatula or spoon to check if they are done.
Finally, garnish with the remaining chopped cilantro. You can also garnish with shredded coconut.