Be Vegetarian

Aloo matar is a popular vegetarian dish of north India. Come winters and you will find vegetable markets flowing with green pea abundance. But, with frozen peas available all year round, food aficionados do not have to wait for winters to arrive.

Ingredients

Shelled peas                                 1 cup
Potatoes (chopped into cubes)       4
Butter or cooking oil                      2 tablespoons
Ginger (finely chopped)                  2 tablespoons
Green chilies (finely chopped)         4
Asafetida powder                          ½ teaspoon
Turmeric powder                           ½ teaspoon
Cumin seeds                                 1 teaspoon
Hot water                                     ½ cup
Lemon juice                                  1 teaspoon
Coriander leaves (freshly chopped) for garnishing
Salt to taste

Method of Preparation

Take a heavy bottom pan and pour butter or oil in it, as you place it over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and heat them until you hear crackling sounds. Next add the chopped ginger, asafetida powder and green chilies. Fry for while until light brown.

Add the green peas and chopped potatoes, and mix all the ingredients well. Next, add the hot water and salt to taste. When the ingredients come to a boil, lower the heat and cook for about 15 minutes. Allow the peas and potatoes to soften. Add the lemon juice. 

Garnish with coriander leaves before serving hot.