A Classic Punjabi Dish... Aloo Matar (Potatoes and Green Peas)

Here is a funny story.  Last night, my phone was on Vibrate Mode all night because I forgot to turn on the sound before sleeping.  I always set my alarm clock on my phone.  So you must have guessed by now, today morning the alarm went off in Vibrate Mode, and I slept right through it which is no surprise to anyone who knows me.  One would imagine that since I am living with someone, who happens to my hubby, he would come and wake me up, but he didn't.  He just assumed I was working from home, ah... but those lovely days are now over and he's known that for a week.  When he was about to leave home, he asks me, "Are you working from home today?  It's 9 AM."   I jumped out of bed, panicked, annoyed, and totally freaked out!  Of course, I started blaming him, "Why didn't you wake me up?  Didn't you know I had to go to work today?"  Then I thought... Should I go to work?  If I do, I'd get there after 10 AM... I still had to get ready.  Or, should I work from home and let my manager know?  I finally called my manager and told him... something, and worked from home.  :-)  So going forward my husband knows if I'm not up by a certain time (that's a secret), then he needs to wake me up. 

Luckily today turned out pretty good after my morning drama was over.  I worked, lunch time I went to the gym and had a great workout, I had a healthy peanut butter and jelly sandwich after my workout, I worked some more, and then I cooked dinner in the evening.  Productive?  Yes, very!  I love the flexibility to work from home because I can really get things done, my own work, plus my other work.  It's a nice perk to have, but sadly, not often enough.  I ended my night watching the 20/20 Special on Inside the Bachelor on my DVR, while my husband tried to figure out why I take an interest watching such silly shows that he thinks are fake.  Whatever man, its REAL DRAMA and I LOVE IT!  I can't wait to see who Ali chooses on Monday's, The Bachelorette.  Rumor has it that she picks no one.  OMG, I would be so annoyed because both guys are great in my opinion, especially Rrrrrrrrrrrrrroberto (rolling the r)... LOL!

Moving along, for dinner I made a classic Punjabi dish called Aloo Matar, which is potatoes and green peas sauteed with Indian spices.  There are so many variations of Aloo Matar, however I wanted to create a version that didn't have too much gravy and I wanted to achieve a yellowish-green color for my dish.  How did I do it?  I added more turmeric powder, used only one tomato, and topped the dish off with fresh cilantro leaves.  This dish goes really well with Roti/Naan.

NUTRITION: Potatoes are a good source of Vitamin C and Fiber.  Green Peas are a good source of Vitamins B1 & C, Protein, and Iron, and a very good source of Folic Acid and Vitamin B1.  Tomatoes are a good source of Vitamins A and C.


INGREDIENTS:

• Olive Oil - 1 1/2 tbsp
• Cumin Seeds - 1 tsp
• Turmeric Powder - 1 tsp
• Garlic - 2 cloves (chopped)
• Ginger - 1 inch piece (chopped)
• Onion - 1 medium (chopped)
• Plum Tomato - 1 (chopped)
• Red Chili Powder - 1/2 tsp
• Coriander Powder - 2 tsp
• Potatoes - 2 medium (bite size cubes)
• Frozen Green Peas - 1 cup
• Water - 1 cup
• Garam Masala - 1/2 tsp
• Fresh Cilantro - 1 bunch (chopped)
• Salt to taste

DIRECTIONS:
1. Start by chopping the garlic, ginger, and onions.  I used my Magic Bullet to chop the ginger and garlic.

2. Heat a pot on medium heat, once hot, add Olive Oil, add the cumin seeds. 

3. Once they start sizzling, add the turmeric powder.  Cook for about 5 seconds.

4. Now add the ginger and garlic.  Saute for 15 seconds or so.  

5. Add the onions and salt.  Saute for about 8-10 minutes.  Keep checking to make sure the onions don't burn.

6. In the meantime, chop the tomato.

7. After 8-10 minutes, this is how the onions should look.

8. Add the tomato, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt.  Combine.  

9. Lower the heat to dial #3, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

10. In the meantime, peel and cube the potatoes.

11. After 10 minutes, this is how the onion and tomato should look, should form a paste-like consistency.

12. Add the potatoes and salt.  Combine. 

13. Add 1 cup of frozen green peas.  Combine.

14. Add 1 cup of water.

15. Combine.  

16. Cover with a lid and allow this to simmer for 25 minutes on dial #3.  Keep checking in between.

17. In the meantime, chop the cilantro.

18. This is what you should have after 25 minutes.  Check the potato and make sure it is soft and edible.

19. Add garam masala and turn off the stove.  Adjust salt.

20. Add cilantro. 

21. Combine.  And there is that yellowish-green color I wanted.  Wait at least 15 minutes before serving, this will allow all the flavors to combine.