Aloo Matar (Potato and Pea Curry)

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 25 mins – 30 mins

Difficulty: Medium

Serves: 6

kcal	fat	saturates	carbs
155	6g	1g	23g

sugars	fibre	protein	salt
3g	3g	3g	0.12g

There’s an authenticity and comfort in creating homestyle recipes that have been passed down through generations and I cherish that, perhaps because it brings an element of nostalgia. For me, the Aloo Matar (Potato and Pea Curry) stands as a testament to that very feeling. This recipe, much like those that have been taught in my family for years, is a feast of flavors dating back to my ancestry. While my reputation tends to resonate more with Tex-Mex culinary styles, my plate often dances to the beats of international flavors, particularly those from Southeast Asian cuisines.

A Unison of Flavors

Aloo Matar, is a beloved Indian dish commonly found across Indian households. This curry is a beautiful mingling of potatoes and peas in a tangy tomato-based sauce, making it perfect as a side or as a main with freshly baked bread or rice. The medley of spices like cumin, garam masala, and turmeric bring out a unique flavor profile that’s absolutely essential in the Indian kitchen – you can almost call it the East Indian Basic Curry Powder.

Building Health with Aloo Matar

Not only does this dish come packed with flavors, but it also offers several health benefits. This veggie-filled meal promises a good serving of fiber. Potatoes could help with digestion and they can make you feel fuller for longer, aiding in weight management. Meanwhile, peas are filled with protein and vitamins that will help your body maintain its good health. The entire dish is a well-rounded hearty meal and a great source of nutrition.

This recipe is relatable to many other Indian curries, especially those featuring a medley of spices in a tomato-based gravy. It might pair excellently with a dish such as Dal (Indian Lentil Soup). Both dishes share similar flavor profiles and they balance each other out well, making your meal a hearty and wholesome one.

To sum it up, Aloo Matar is more than just a recipe to me. It’s a melange of flavors, emotions, and memories served in a dish. So whether you’re looking for something delicious, healthy, or just a homely comfort meal, this recipe is definitely worth a try.

What You’ll Need

2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
2 medium-sized Potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 cup Frozen Peas
1 large Onion, finely chopped
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 inch Ginger, grated
1 Green Chili, finely chopped
1 can (14.5 ounces) Tomatoes, diced
1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
1 teaspoon Turmeric
1 teaspoon Garam Masala
1/2 teaspoon Red Chili Powder
2 teaspoons Coriander Powder
Salt to taste
Finely Chopped Cilantro for garnish
2 cups Water

ALLERGENS: None

Method

Step One

Begin by heating the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is heated, add the cumin seeds and allow them to splutter for a few seconds.

Step Two

Next, add the finely chopped onion to the pan. Sauté the onion until it becomes soft and translucent. Then add in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and finely chopped green chili. Continue to sauté all of these ingredients together until they are well combined and fragrant.

Step Three

Now it’s time to add the spices. Add the turmeric, garam masala, red chili powder, and coriander powder to the pan. Stir well to ensure that all of the ingredients are evenly coated with the spices.

Step Four

Add the can of diced tomatoes to the pan and stir. Allow this mixture to cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the tomatoes are cooked down and integrated into the mixture.

Step Five

Once the tomatoes are cooked, add the peeled and chopped potatoes and frozen peas to the pan. Stir well to combine these ingredients with the rest of the mixture.

Step Six

Add 2 cups of water and salt to taste. Stir once again to combine, then cover the pan and allow the curry to simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, until the potatoes are cooked through and tender.

Step Seven

Once the potatoes are cooked through, garnish the curry with finely chopped cilantro. Your Aloo Matar (Potato and Pea Curry) is now ready to be served!