Indian Curried Potatoes and Peas (Alu Mattar)

Indian Curried Potatoes and Peas (Alu Mattar) is one of my favourite Indian side dishes. The potatoes are lovely and soft and have a spice kick that perfect. The combination gives a heat without being overpowering of the potatoes and any other dish you may be having. The flavours of cumin, turmeric and cayenne are an amazing combination to cooking.

Indian cuisine is celebrated for its depth of flavour, vibrant colours, and ingenious use of spices. Among its many iconic dishes is Alu Mater (also spelled Aloo Matar), a simple yet deeply satisfying combination of potatoes (alu) and peas (mater). Though humble in ingredients, this dish captures the heart of Indian home cooking, offering a comforting warmth that transcends cultural boundaries.

The essence of Alu Mater lies in its flavourful curry base, a medley of spices such as cumin, turmeric, and garam masala blended with onions, tomatoes, and sometimes a touch of garlic and ginger. This aromatic mixture envelops the potatoes and peas, transforming them into something extraordinary. The resulting dish is not only delicious but also versatile, finding a place at the table as both a main course and a side dish.

What makes Alu Mater so cherished is its accessibility. The primary ingredients are pantry staples in many households around the world, making it an easy option for cooks of all skill levels. It is often considered a ‘weeknight wonder’, quick to prepare and adaptable to suit a variety of tastes. Whether made fiery with chillies or kept mild for a family meal, Alu Mater offers endless possibilities.

In Indian homes, Alu Mater is frequently paired with steamed rice, flatbreads like chapati, or even enjoyed on its own. The dish also fits seamlessly into a larger feast, balancing richer items with its wholesome simplicity. Its vegan and gluten-free nature further ensures its popularity across dietary preferences.

Beyond its taste and versatility, Alu Mater holds a sentimental value. For many, it evokes memories of family dinners and the unmistakable aroma of home-cooked meals. It’s a dish that not only nourishes the body but also connects generations, telling a story of tradition and love through every bite.

Alu Mater isn’t just food—it’s an experience.

Indian Curried Potatoes and Peas (Alu Mattar)

A simple vegetarian side dish that packs a punch both in colour but also in taste.

4.69 from 87 votes

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Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Indian

Keyword: Alu Mattar, Curry, Dairy, Herbs, Spice, Vegetables, Vegetarian

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 187kcal

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Ingredients

 

MetricImperial

• 1/4 cup ghee
• 1 tbs ginger finely chopped
• 1 tbs garlic finely chopped
• 1/2 cup onion shallot/finely chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or to taste
• 3 medium tomatoes finely chopped
• 20 oz green peas defrosted
• 1 large potato peeled and cut into 1 cm cubes
• 1 cup water
• 3 tbsp cilantro finely chopped/coriander
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• salt

Instructions

• Heat the ghee in a heavy pot over moderate heat until it is very hot.
  1/4 cup ghee
• Add the ginger and garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  1 tbs ginger, 1 tbs garlic
• Add the onion and salt and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and golden brown, about 8 minutes.
  1/2 cup onion, salt
• Stir in the cumin, turmeric, and cayenne, followed by the tomatoes.
  1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• Cook, stirring frequently, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the mixture forms a thick paste, about 5 minutes.
• Add the peas and tomatoes and stir to coat them with the tomato mixture.
  3 medium tomatoes, 20 oz green peas
• Stir in the water and bring to a boil, stirring frequently.
  1 cup water, 1 large potato
• Reduce the heat and simmer covered for 10 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
• Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and garam masala and serve immediately.
  3 tbsp cilantro, 1/2 tsp garam masala

Nutrition

Calories: 187kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 17mg | Potassium: 294mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g