Aloo Matar

Whenever I think of aloo matar, I remember the Vanaspati advertisement which went like this:

आज मेरी बिटिया रानी क्या खायेगी? (What will my daughter eat today?)

आलू मटर और बहुत सारे मटर। (Potato-peas with loads of peas)

I can't remember if it was for Dalda or Rath, but I remember the rest of the advertisement very well. I don't make aloo matar that often. In fact this is the only time I made it. But it features very regularly on our lunch table as at least two of my lunchmates bring this at least once a week.

1/2 cup Potatoes, diced

1/2 cup Peas
1 Onion, chopped finely
1 Tomato, chopped finely
1 tsp Ginger Paste
1 tsp Chilli Powder
1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
1/2 tsp Coriander Powder
1/4 tsp Garam Masala
1 tsp Oil
Salt to taste

Heat the oil in a pressure pan. Add the cumin seeds. When they crackle, add the onions and fry for a couple of minutes. Add the ginger paste along with the turmeric, coriander and chilli powders. Add the salt and the tomato and fry for 3-4 minutes. Add half a cup of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the potatoes and peas and cook for 3 whistles. Open the pressure pan when the pressure is released and add the garam masala. Mix well, cook for 1-2 minutes and serve immediately. You could, of course, garnish it with chopped coriander.

This is perfect with chapattis. If you're in the mood for some deep frying, make poories. This would have to be the ideal monsoon breakfast number.