Chorchuri is a char flavored bengali style stir fry, Chorchori being the noun and the vegetable used to make it, the adjectives. As a child I had asked my mom why this dish was called Chorchori, she said it is because when the vegetables are getting charred, they make a sizzling sound that sounds like ‘chor’ which is also an indicator that the dish is almost done. I am not sure if that’s accurate or not, but thats the story I go with.

Any number of vegetables can be used to make this, but in the Aloo loving Mukherjee household, potatoes have always been the main ingredient with others making a guest appearance or not. This particular dish was a breakfast favorite served with Luchi or Bashi Porotha (Stale Parathas made the night before). There is something about warm porotha, potatoes along with the smell and taste of mustard oil that makes it one of the most comforting dish for lazy mornings.

The charred part is the best part of the dish and my sister and I always called dibs on who gets to clean up (read lick) the wok, mom won most times, go figure!

I like to cut the potatoes and onions in wedges, because thats how my mom did it, but its not a rule.

This and a few other bengali recipes will call for Paanch Phoron for tempering. It is a combination of Cumin Seeds, Mustard Seeds, Fenugreek Seeds, Fennel Seeds and Nigella Seeds in equal proportion. 

Time for Prep: 20 mins     Time to Cook: 20-30 mins    Yield: 6 servings    Level: Easy

Ingredients:

• 2-3 medium size potatoes, cut into wedges
• 1 medium sized onion, cut into wedges
• 3-4 green chile pepper, slit
• 1 tbsp Paanch Phoron
• 1 tbsp oil (preferably mustard oil)
• 1 tsp turmeric
• salt to taste
• 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped for garnishing

Process:

1. Heat oil in a Wok on medium heat, add paanch phoron. Sauté till aromatic.
2. Add the potatoes, onions, green chili pepper,  turmeric and salt. Sauté, cover and cook till vegetables are done (tender) around 12-15 mins.
3. Let the vegetables char a little at the bottom.
4. Remove from heat, fold in the thin charred crust.
5. Garnish and serve.

Note:

• If you want to add some protein in to it, shrimp or scallops is the way to go.