Title: Alu Matar (Potatoes and Peas in Onion-Tomato Sauce)
Categories: Indian Vegetable
Yield: 4 Servings

1 1/2	lb	Small Potatoes
2	md	Onions
3		Garlic cloves
1		Ginger, fresh 1/2" piece
3	tb	Vegetable oil
1	pn	Asafoetida, crushed, opt
1/2	ts	Cumin seeds
		Salt, to taste
1/4	ts	Cayenne pepper
1/2	ts	Tumeric, ground
2	lg	Tomatoes, chopped coarsely
1	c	Peas
1/4	c	Water
1/2	ts	Garam masala

"One of the better known dishes of Uttar Pradesh cuisine, this is a favorite at occasions ranging from a wedding buffet to a family picnic. It goes exceptionally well with Deep Fried Wheat Bread, a raita and Pumpkin with Onions and Fenugreek."

Cook the potatoes until tender. Peel and set aside. In the container of a blender or food processor, mince together the onions, garlic and ginger. In a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat, warm the oil. Add the asafoetida (if used) and cumin. When spices darken (1 to 2 seconds) add the minced onion mixture and saute until browned (about 12 minutes). Add the salt, cayenne, tumeric and tomatoes and cook until they soften (about 5 minutes). add the peas and water; reduce the heat to low, cover and cook for 5 minutes. Halve the cooked potatoes if they seem too large. Add them to the pan and cook covered for another 5 minutes. Mix in the garam masala just before serving. SERVES: 4 with other dishes

Source: _From Bengal to Punjab: The Cuisines of India_ by Smita Chandra posted by Anne MacLellan

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