Aloo means potato and Matar means peas.
Keeping in mind all the non – Indians, I am giving sme simple recipes.Things that I make when I want to keep it simple and quick.
Even so, for Indian cooking, there are some basic spices to need to have on hand.You can go and buy the smallest packets of the following:
Turmeric powder, chilli powder, cumin powder and seeds,mustard seeds,hing(astofoetida) coriander powder,curry patta (its little green leaves
garam masala( its mix of ground up whole spices). We also use a lot of fresh green and red dried chillies, cilantro for garnish as well as to make lots of chutney along with fresh mint.Ginger garlic paste also is a regular ingredient in most dishes.
For Simply peas & potatoes you will need:
A cup of frozen peas
Two cups of diced potatoes(any kind,washed and cut)
a pinch of hing(imp as its an antiflatulent)
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 green chilli slit in the middle
1/2 tsp turmeric pwd
1 tbsp oil(vegetable,canola or olive)
2 cloves of chopped garlic
a handle of cilantro leaves chopped
2 pinches of sugar
1/2 a lime or 1/4 of a lemon
salt to taste
A pinch of garam masala optional.
1) In a non-stick pan on medium flame, heat the oil then add hing,now the cumin seeds,let it turn dark brown.
2) Next add the green chilli and garlic.let the garlic turn pink.
3)Now add turmeric pwd, saute for a minute,add the potatoes, peas and saute
for 10 minutes.
4) Now add salt, sugar, lemon or lime juice and saute for another 5 minutes or until potatoes are cooked.
5) Sprinkle cilantro and serve.
Note: Can add more green chillies if you like it spicy.This dish can be added to a sub with cheese and grilled onions.It can also be a stuffing for a grill cheese sandwich too.
There are many variations to this dish but this is the basic and simplest.One can add ginger garlic paste instead of just chopped garlic.You can even add tomatoes and a little water to make gravy in this dish.Tomato paste works as well.Also add cauliflower or carrots with the potatoes and peas. Try it and enjoy!!
Phir Milenge!
Namasteindians! 