Aloo Matar Ki Sabzi (Potato-Peas Curry)

          Aloo Matar is the most simple and common side dish with any Indian bread. It tastes awesome with poori and some onions and green chilies on the side. We of course do not get tired of having it any time of the day. It is considered to be a favourite with young and old alike. This dish is actually considered a North Indian recipe but, it is equally relished in all parts of the country. It can be made dry (to be had with chapatis) or with gravy (to be had with rice).
        

• 2 med. potatoes, cubed
• 1/2 cup green peas
• 2 med. onions
• 1 tbsp. ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tomato or 1/2 tsp. tomato paste
• 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder
• salt to taste
• 1 tbsp. coriander-cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp. red chili powder or to taste
• 1/2 tsp. garam masala powder
• 1/2 tsp. cumin seeds
• 2 bay leaves
• 1" stick cinnamon
• 2 cardamoms
• 3-4 cloves
• 2 tbsp. oil
• 1 tsp. ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/2 tsp. coriander leaves, chopped to garnish

         Grind the onion along with the ginger-garlic paste and tomatoes to a smooth paste. Keep aside. Heat oil and fry the potatoes till light brown. Drain  and keep aside.

          In the same oil fry the bay leaves, cinnamon, cardamoms, cloves and cumin seeds. After it stops spluttering, add the ground paste and sauté till oil separates from the sides of the pan.

          Now add the coriander-cumin powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder and garam masala powder and continue to sauté for a few seconds till well mixed. Add 1 1/2 cups water, the fried potatoes, salt and the peas.

          Cover and cook on low flame after the first boil till the potatoes are soft. Add the ghee and stir well. Serve, garnished with coriander leaves.