Low Sodium Aloo Mattar Recipe

When I saw the Copycat contest I knew it was time to try and make a dish from my new favorite spot in town called Taste of India. The dish I enjoy most is a vegetarian one called Aloo Mattar, which is a Punjabi dish from the Indian subcontinent made from potatoes (Aloo) and peas (Matter). I only had powdered Ginger and previously crushed Cumin on hand, but it's highly recommended to use fresh Ginger and whole Cumin seeds. Let's begin!

Onion Tomato Paste

• 1/2 cup Onion - chopped
• 1 cup Tomatoes - chopped
• ½ inch Ginger - chopped (or ¼ tsp of powder)
• 4 Garlic Cloves - whole

Other Ingredients
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• ½ tsp Cumin Seeds
• 2 tbsp Almond Powder (optional)
• 2 large Potatoes - peeled and chopped
• 1 cup Green Peas - fresh or frozen
• ½ tsp Chili Powder or as required
• ¼ tsp Turmeric Powder
• ½ tsp Garam Masala powder
• 1½ cups Water
• Pinch of Asafoetida (Hing)

• Food Processor
• Wooden Spoon or Rubber Spatula
• Measuring Spoons & Cups
• Shallow Sauce Pot
• Small Bowl
• Chef Knife
• Cutting Board
• Peeler

Add Onions, Tomatoes, and Garlic to a food processor and blend until smooth. About 15-30 seconds. Stop halfway to scrape down the sides. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

Note: I couldn't get my hands on fresh Ginger, but if you're able to I suggest adding the 1/2 inch of peeled Ginger in with the Onions, Tomatoes, and Garlic.

Peel the Potatoes and cut them into small pieces no larger than one inch (1").

Turn the heat to medium and add the Olive Oil. Now add in the Cumin Seeds (preferably whole seeds) and cook for 30-60 seconds or until the seeds begin to brown.

Stir in your Onion/Tomato paste followed by the Almond Powder. Bring to a light simmer and cover lightly to avoid splattering. Once the mixture stops splattering, remove the lid and simmer on low for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the mixture thickens.

Stir in Turmeric, Chili Powder, Ginger Powder and Hing, followed by the Potatoes (Aloo) and Peas (Matar). Mix well and cook for 3-4 minutes.

Note: I couldn't get my hands on fresh Ginger, so I added Powdered Ginger to this step as an alternative.

Add in the Water and some Salt to taste. Bring to a simmer and cover lightly. Simmer for 15-30 minutes or until desired thickness is reached.

Stir in the Garam Masala.