This easy Aloo Matar (potato and pea curry) comes together with simple, inexpensive ingredients for a hearty, flavorful, comforting, meat-free main- perfect with rice or roti!
1tablespoonneutral oil(vegetable, canola, or sunflower)
1teaspooncumin seeds
1mediumyellow onionfinely chopped
3garlic clovesminced
1-inchpiece of gingergrated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
2mediumtomatoeschopped (or ½ cup canned crushed tomatoes)
½ teaspoonturmeric powder
1teaspoonground coriander
1teaspoongaram masala
1teaspoonchili powder(adjust to taste)
1teaspoonsalt(or to taste)
2mediumpotatoespeeled and cubed
1 ¾ cupswater
¾ cupfrozen green peas
Fresh cilantrochopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and golden, about 5–6 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and ginger. Cook for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the tomatoes and cook until they break down and the mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
Stir in turmeric, coriander, garam masala, chili powder, and salt. Mix well to coat the onion-tomato base with the spices.
Add the potatoes and stir to combine. Pour in the water and bring to a boil.
Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender, stirring occasionally. Add more water if needed to keep the curry from drying out.
Add the green peas and cook for another 5 minutes.
Turn off the heat and mix well.
Notes
Don’t rush saute steps: Properly sauteing the onions, softening the tomatoes, and tempering spices help build layers of flavor.
Chop the potato evenly: So it cooks evenly.
For a smooth gravy: Blend the sauteed onion and tomatoes into a puree.
To adjust the thickness: Adjust how much water you add. For even thicker green pea and potato curry, mash some potatoes.