Aloo Matar

Aloo matar falls under those North Indian style simple, basic  curries which can be served along with rotis / pooris / tortillas. This tempting curry uses the most humble vegetables found in any kitchen and very easy for a novice to try. One will end up with a lip smacking curry by combining the wholesome, filling potatoes, fresh peas and tart tomatoes along with garam masala, the signature spice mix of the region. The use of cumin seeds and cilantro further accentuates the North Indian style cooking, which is quite apart from the cuisine of South where mustard seeds and curry leaves are greatly cherished.

Ingredients needed:
2 potatoes - (about 3 cups after peeling and chopping into cubes)
1 onion - (about 1 cup chopped onion)
3 tomatoes - (2 cups chopped)
Fresh / frozen green peas - 1 cup
Salt - 1.5 tsp
Chili powder - 1 tsp
Garam masala - 1/2 tsp
Oil - 2 tbsp
Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
Turmeric powder - 1/8 tsp
Minced cilantro for garnish (optional)

The cooking part:
* Heat oil in a deep pan or kadai and add cumin seeds. When they sizzle and turn a few shades darker, add the turmeric powder and onion. Fry it on low flame. Add tomatoes and green peas when onion turns translucent. Then keep frying till the tomatoes turn into a mush. 
* Meanwhile, to speed up the process cook potatoes in a microwave adding water. They need to be tender still holding their shape and not mushy after cooking. (Or you can add potatoes along with tomatoes and cook adding water.)
* Then add the cooked potatoes, salt, chili powder, garam masala to the onion tomato mixture. Check the taste and add the spices if needed. At this point, a little quantity of water can be added, if gravy is preferred. Let it simmer for about five minutes and then turn off the stove. Garnish with cilantro and serve with rotis.

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