Aloo Matar Dry (Potato and Green Peas Saute)

Today's recipe of aloo matar or potato and peas is a quick meal recipe. This recipe does not require any chopping of onions, tomatoes, or herbs. If you'd like you can leave the potato skin on, just ensure they are washed and scrubbed well. In fact it is more nutritious that way. You can also make this with only potatoes or only peas, and it will turn out well. This recipe should be bookmarked for days that you're in a hurry or too lazy or short on ingredients. Whatever your reason may be, try it and I'm sure it will be your go to recipe in emergencies.

Ingredients:

1. Potato - 3 medium, cubed
2. Green peas - 1 cup (240 ml)
3. Cumin/Jeera seeds - 1 tsp
4. Coriander powder - 1 tbsp.
5. Red chilly powder - 1/2 tbsp*
6. Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
7. *Dry mango powder/ Aamchoor - 1/2 tsp (if not available, use 1/2 tbsp lemon juice)
8. Salt - as required
9. Oil - as required

Method:

1. Heat a pan, pour oil and add the cumin. Once the cumin has changed color, add the cubed potatoes.
2. Add the turmeric and salt and let the potato fry for two minutes on high flame. Use a spoon to stir the potato and lower the flame, cover with a lid and cook till the potato is half cooked.
3. If you prefer to use less oil in your cooking, you will need to add water, about half a cup for the potatoes to cook. Add more if required.
4. Then add the peas, and all the remaining powders, mix well and continue cooking till the potatoes and peas are done. Since this is a dry dish, let the water dry out before you put out the flame.
5. Serve hot with chappatis or eat it with rice, dal and papad.

Notes:

*Use chilly powder as per spice tolerance.
*If aamchoor or dry mango powder is unavailable use lemon juice. Add the lemon juice after the vegetables are cooked and just before the flame is put off.
I always use frozen peas in my cooking due to non-availability of fresh peas. Fresh peas take longer to cook, so if you are using fresh peas, add the potatoes and peas together. And add the spices once they are half cooked.