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The only negative connotation you can find in the Nepali language about potatoes is, “s/he eats aalu (potato) in the final exam”. As the shape of a potato resembles zero, it’s popularly termed as ‘potato grade’ in our society. Aside from this, the potato holds an all-time favorite status in Nepali society, as implied by the phrase “s/he is just like a potato,” meaning one can fit anywhere, just like a potato goes well with any vegetable.

While browsing the online version of Annapurna Post, I suddenly noticed a detailed story about ‘Tharu aalu’ from Tikapur in Kailali. I had never heard of a potato species named after the Tharu indigenous community. So, I read through the entire story. According to the report, this species of potato is exclusively cultivated by the Tharu community and is considered indigenous.

Potatoes entered Nepal 176 years ago, introduced by British naturalist Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker in Taplejung during an ecological expedition in eastern Nepal from October to December of 1848. Sir Hooker was accompanied by Brian H. Hodgson, a naturalist and ethnologist who later became a British resident in Kathmandu. Potatoes then spread across Nepal and became a national favorite.

The per capita consumption of potatoes in Nepal is 75 kg, which is one of the highest in Asia, with almost 90 percent of potatoes consumed by Nepalis being cultivated in Nepal, while only 10 to 12 percent is imported.

Potatoes, scientifically known as Solanum tuberosum, are believed to have originated in the Andes Mountains of South America, particularly in present-day Peru and Bolivia. These early potatoes were smaller and had a wide range of shapes and colors, quite different from the standardized varieties we know today.

Potatoes quickly adapted to the diverse agro-climatic conditions of Nepal, making them a vital crop across different regions of the country. Their adaptability and ease of cultivation made them especially appealing to Nepali farmers.

Potatoes became more than just a crop; they were a solution to food security issues. In a nation with a complex geography, ranging from the lowlands of the Tarai to the towering Himalayas, having a reliable source of sustenance was crucial. Potatoes provided this reliability, as they could be grown at various altitudes and in different soil conditions.

Potatoes have left an indelible mark on Nepali cuisine, being a key ingredient in a variety of dishes, including aalu chop, aalu ko achar (potato salad), and often served with sel roti and puri. The adaptability of potatoes allows them to be incorporated into both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, making them an essential part of Nepali gastronomy.

The aalu dum is a ubiquitous dish that features potatoes simmered in a flavorful tomato-based gravy. Variations abound, with some adding peas or cauliflower. It’s a staple enjoyed year-round.

Aalu sadheko is a spicy potato salad that is popular in Kathmandu Valley. It’s a delightful twist on the classic potato salad. Boiled potatoes are tossed with a tangy dressing of chilies, ginger, garlic, and herbs. Perfect for any occasion.

Mustang aalu, on the other hand, is a deep-fried and fiery delicacy. This crispy potato snack is a specialty of the Mustang region. Packed with red chilies, timur pepper (or substitutes), and other spices, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s best enjoyed during colder months.

Baglung, Gulmi, and Palpa regions offer chukainu, a refreshing yogurt-based potato curried salad. Chopped potatoes are combined with vegetables, herbs, and a creamy yogurt dressing, making it a light and healthy option. Tempering with fenugreek seeds is very important.

Sherpa communities in the high Himalayas have their own potato delicacy – rildok. Mashed potatoes are mixed with nettles or other wild greens, offering a unique taste and essential nutrients during the harsh winters.

Malekhu is popular for its aalu chop. This dish features deep-fried potato wedges tossed in a spicy and tangy sauce. While its exact origin is unclear, it’s a popular street food enjoyed across Nepal.

Thicheko aalu, that’s a local delicacy in Pokhara, literally translates to ‘pressed potatoes.’ This dish involves flattening boiled potatoes and pan-frying them until crispy. It’s a simple yet flavorful snack.

Originating from the Madhesh and popular nationwide, aalu bhujuri is a simple and delicious item made from potatoes. Just thinly slice the potatoes and fry them in hot oil with seed spices like cumin or fennel. Cook until brown. Add salt, grated garlic, chili, and turmeric, and cook for a while.

This is just a taste of the many potato dishes that grace Nepali tables. Each region and community has its take on this versatile ingredient, reflecting the rich heritage of Nepali cuisine. So, next time you’re looking for a potato dish with a twist, consider exploring the culinary delights of Nepal.

The author is a UK-based R&D chef

A Foreign Employment Department official was caught red-handed with bribe money on Tuesday.

A team of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) caught Pramod Niraula red-handed while he was receiving Rs 15, 000 bribe, a CIAA source said.

Further investigation into the incident is underway, said CIAA.

Japanese Ambassador to Nepal KIKUTA Yutaka signed two grant contracts under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) of the Government of Japan for the provision of a total of 12 recycled fire engines.

The signing ceremony was held at the Embassy of Japan in Kathmandu today.

The GGP contract with Dhana Lama, Executive Director of United Mission to Nepal (UMN), was signed to provide six recycled fire engines to six municipalities: Khijidemba Rural Municipality of Okhaldhunga District in Koshi Province, Tansen Municipality, Rainadevi Chhahara Rural Municipality of Palpa District, Sunwal Municipality, Pratapapur Rural Municipality of Parasi District, and Mayadevi Rural Municipality of Kapilbastu District in Lumbini Province with a grant of USD 259,035, reads a statement issued by the Embassy of Japan in Nepal.

Similarly, the other GGP contract with Deepak Chapagain, President of Volunteer Corps Nepal (VCN), is to provide six recycled fire engines to Barahathawa Municipality, Chakraghatta Rural Municipality of Sarlahi District in Madhesh Province, Bahrabise Municipality of Sindhupalchok District, Kageshwori Manohara Municipality of Kathmandu District, Godawari Municipality of Lalitpur District in Bagmati Province, and Walling Municipality of Syangja District in Gandaki Province with a grant of USD 282,614.

In Nepal, only a few municipalities own fire engines. Considering this situation, the Japanese government decided to support 12 recycled fire engines through UMN, which is one of the oldest NGOs serving the society for 70 years, and VCN, which continues to specialize in disaster relief including fire.

The fire engines to be provided by the projects have been faithfully operated and maintained throughout Japan.

These fire engines will play the active role in protecting the communities in Nepal as their second life.

The Embassy of Japan believes that these projects will contribute to the safety of the people in the 12 municipalities and their surrounding areas against fire incidents.

Foundation stone was laid by  Bhairav Bahadur Saud, Chairman, Badikedar Rural Municipality, Doti and  Shri Prashant Kumar Sona, Second Secretary, Embassy of India, Kathmandu for the construction of  Shree Kedar Jyotipunja Multiple Campus School Building at Badikedar Rural Municipality, Doti District. 

 Being built with Government of India’s financial assistance at the tendered cost of NRs.28.90 million under ‘Nepal-India Development Cooperation’. Political representatives, government officials, social workers, representatives of the Campus management,  lecturers, parents and students  were also present on this occasion. 

The grant under ‘Nepal-India Development Cooperation’, will be utilized for the construction of double storied campus building with other facilities for this campus.  The project is taking up as a High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP), under an Agreement between Government of India and Government of Nepal and being implemented through Badri Kedar Rural Municipality, Doti. The project is an important example of the very robust development partnership between India and Nepal. 

Chairman, Badikedar Rural Municipality in his remarks appreciated the continue developmental support of the Government of India in upliftment of the people of Nepal in its priority sectors. Once the construction of this campus building completed, this new infrastructure  will help to provide better education facilities for the students of Shree Kedar Jyotipunja Multiple Campus and would create an improved environment for learning and contribute to the development of the education in this area.  

Since 2003,  India has taken up over 550 HICDPs in Nepal in various sectors and has completed 488 projects. Amongst these, 40 Projects are in Sudurpashcum Province in various sectors, which includes 4 projects in Doti. In addition to these, Government of India has gifted 974 ambulances and 234 school buses to various hospitals, health posts and educational institutions in Nepal on the occasion of Independence Day and Republic Day of India. Amongst these, 60 Ambulances and 20 School Buses have been gifted in Sudurpashcum Province, which includes 8 ambulances and 2 school buses provided in Doti District. 

According to a press statement issued by Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, as a close neighbours, India and Nepal share wide-ranging and multi-sectoral cooperation. The implementation of HICDPs reflects the continued support of the Government of India in bolstering the efforts of the Government of Nepal in upliftment of its people, augmenting infrastructure in the field of priority sector especially in the education sector in Nepal, the statement says.