Aloo Matar Sabzi Recipe – Potatoes & Peas in Tomato Gravy
Aloo Matar Sabzi is a quintessential dish from Punjab, celebrated for its simple yet flavorful taste. This vegetarian delight combines soft, creamy potatoes with the sweetness of peas, all simmered in a light and tangy tomato-based gravy. Infused with aromatic spices and herbs, this dish brings together the perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s a comforting, hearty side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of Indian breads and rice.
Cuisine: Punjabi
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (Aloo), peeled and diced | 3 medium-sized |
| Green peas (Matar), steamed | ½ cup |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 large |
| Ginger, finely chopped | 1 inch piece |
| Tomatoes, pureed | 3 medium-sized (1 cup puree) |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | ½ teaspoon |
| Green chillies, slit | 2 |
| Garam masala powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | ½ teaspoon |
| Red chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander leaves (Dhania), chopped | 4 sprigs |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | ½ teaspoon |
| Ghee (or oil for cooking) | 1 tablespoon |
Preparation Time: 4 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 44 minutes
Servings: 4-5
Instructions
-
Prep the Ingredients
Start by prepping all the ingredients. Peel and dice the potatoes, chop the onions, slit the green chillies, and chop the ginger and coriander leaves. Puree the tomatoes in a blender to get a smooth consistency. -
-
Cook the Base
Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee (or oil) in a pressure cooker. Add the cumin seeds and let them crackle, releasing their aromatic flavors. Once the seeds crackle, add the finely chopped onions and ginger. Sauté on medium heat until the onions turn soft and translucent. -
Add Tomato Puree and Spices
To the softened onions and ginger, add the tomato puree and the slit green chillies. Cook this mixture for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and meld with the flavors. Now, add the turmeric powder, red chilli powder, garam masala powder, salt, and sugar. Stir well to combine all the spices with the tomato base. -
Cook the Potatoes
Add the diced potatoes to the pressure cooker and stir them into the tomato mixture. Add half a cup of water to help the potatoes cook evenly. Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook for 3-4 whistles. Once done, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. The potatoes will continue cooking during this time. -
Finish the Sabzi
Once the pressure has fully released, open the cooker and give the sabzi a gentle stir. Check the consistency of the gravy. If it’s too thick, add a little water to adjust the desired thickness. Taste the dish and adjust the salt and spices as needed. -
Add Green Peas and Final Touch
Stir in the steamed green peas and bring the dish to a brisk boil. This will ensure that the peas are thoroughly incorporated into the flavorful gravy. Turn off the heat once everything is well combined. -
Serve
Transfer the Aloo Matar Sabzi to a serving bowl. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of color and added freshness. Serve hot with steamed rice, parathas, phulkas, or naan for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
Aloo Matar Sabzi is an incredibly versatile dish. It’s best served with:
- Steamed Rice: The light, fragrant gravy perfectly complements the soft rice, making every bite a flavorful experience.
- Indian Breads: Pair this sabzi with parathas, naan, or phulkas for a satisfying, complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Aloo Matar Sabzi
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) along with the cumin seeds at the beginning.
- If you prefer a richer taste, replace ghee with oil for a lighter option, or use a bit of both.
- Ensure the potatoes are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Adjust the spiciness of the dish by altering the quantity of red chilli powder and green chillies to suit your taste.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Sugar | 3 g |
Aloo Matar Sabzi is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish full of depth and flavor. Whether it’s a regular weekday meal or a special occasion, this dish will surely be a hit with everyone at the table.
