Aloo Matar
A comforting North Indian dry curry with tender potatoes and green peas simmered in a spiced tomato-onion gravy. This everyday homestyle dish comes together in under 30 minutes and pairs perfectly with roti or paratha for a satisfying meal.
For 4 servings
- prep
Prep the vegetables.
Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Finely chop the onion and tomatoes. Grate the ginger, mince the garlic, and slit the green chili. If using fresh peas, shell them.
- temper · ~2 min
Make the tempering.
1.Heat oil in a kadhai or pan over medium heat until shimmering.2.Add cumin seeds and let them crackle (30 seconds).3.Add asafoetida and stir once.TIPMedium heat prevents the cumin from burning while releasing its aroma. - saute · ~12 min
Cook the aromatics.
1.Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown (5-7 minutes).2.Add grated ginger, minced garlic, and green chili. Sauté until the raw smell fades (1 minute).3.Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and the oil starts to separate (4-5 minutes). - saute · ~1 min
Bloom the spices.
1.Lower the heat to prevent burning.2.Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder.3.Stir continuously and cook for 30-40 seconds until fragrant.TIPKeep the heat low — dry spice powders can burn quickly and turn bitter. - simmer · ~12 min
Cook the potatoes and peas.
1.Add the cubed potatoes and salt. Stir to coat with the masala.2.Add the green peas and ¼ cup water. Mix well.3.Cover and simmer on low heat until potatoes are tender (10-12 minutes). Stir once halfway through.TIPCheck the potatoes with a fork — they should be soft but still hold their shape. - other
Finish and garnish.
Turn off the heat. Sprinkle garam masala over the cooked sabzi and stir gently. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.
TIPAdding garam masala at the end preserves its aromatic punch.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Cut potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly in the same time.
- 2Sauté onions until deep golden for a richer, sweeter gravy base.
- 3Add a pinch of sugar if your tomatoes are very tart to balance acidity.
- 4Do not overcook the peas—add them frozen, they will warm through perfectly.
- 5Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent the masala from sticking and burning.
- 6Let the sabzi rest for 5 minutes after cooking; flavors meld and deepen.
- 7If the gravy is too watery, simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
Adapt it for your goals.
High-Protein
Add ½ cup of boiled chickpeas or paneer cubes along with the peas for extra protein, turning this side into a heartier main course.
Keto/Low CarbKeto/Low-Carb
Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets and add a splash of cream; the cauliflower mimics the texture of potato while drastically lowering carbs.
Vegan & Jain FriendlyVegan & Jain-Friendly
Omit asafoetida if not used in your version, swap oil for ghee in non-Jain diets, and ensure the garam masala is all-spice based — this version is naturally vegan.
Smoky (Dhungar Method)Smoky (Dhungar Method)
After cooking, place a hot charcoal piece in a steel bowl inside the pan, drizzle ghee over it, and cover for 2 minutes for an intense smoky flavor.
Creamy Restaurant StyleCreamy Restaurant-Style
Stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or cashew paste at the end for a rich, silky gravy that elevates the humble aloo matar.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Potatoes and tomatoes both provide a good dose of vitamin C, supporting immune health and collagen production.
Plant-Based Protein and Fiber
Green peas are a great source of plant protein and dietary fiber, aiding satiety and digestive health.
Anti-Inflammatory Spices
Turmeric, cumin, and ginger contain anti-inflammatory compounds that may help reduce oxidative stress.
Low in Saturated Fat
This dish uses only 2 tablespoons of oil, making it a heart-friendly option with no saturated fat from dairy or meat.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, add frozen peas straight to the pan—they will cook through in the 10-12 minutes the potatoes simmer.



