Microwave Aloo Muttar | Potato and Green Peas Gravy

There are days when I want something elaborate for dinner. If I am not in a mood to prepare something elaborate then I prefer something delicious but should just take away just a little of my time.On one such day, I prepared this.I cooked this Aloo Mattar in the microwave,so this is very quick and a nice side dish to go with Chapathi / Roti.

I used:

Potato - 1 large,peeled and cubed
Frozen peas - around 200 grams
Onion - 1, chopped
Tomato - 2
Ginger garlic paste- 1 teaspoon
Thick yogurt- 1/2 cup
Coriander powder- 1 teaspoon
Red chilli powder- 1 teaspoon
Garam masala - 1/2 teaspoon
Cumin seeds- 1 teaspoon
Oil- 1 teaspoon
Salt to taste

A little yogurt and chopped coriander leaves to garnish

1. Blanch tomato. Cool and puree. Keep aside.[the puree I made was a little chunky as we like to bite into little bits of tomato in the dish. You can also use store brought tomato puree]
2. In a microwave proof bowl, put in cubed potato and add a little water and microwave on high for 8 minutes or until 90% done. 
3. As soon as its done,add the peas to the potato,cover and let it rest inside the microwave for a couple of minutes.
4. In another microwave proof bowl, mix together oil and cumin seeds and microave on medium for 1 minute.
5. Add ginger garlic paste and microwave for another minute. 
6. Next put in chopped onion and mix well.Microwave on high for 2 minutes or till the onion turns translucent.
7. Put in tomato puree, red chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala and salt.Mix well.
8. Return it to the microwave and cook for 5 minutes, stir at the end of 3 minutes and add a little water if the mixture is dry.
9. Add the potato and peas along with the water used to cook it.[Take care not to make it too watery].Microwave for 5 minutes or till you get the right consistency and the potato is fully cooked.
10. Add curd and mix well.Microwave for 2 more minutes and let it stand inside the microwave for another 2 minutes.
11. Serve garnished with a swirl of yogurt and chopped coriander leaves.

Note:

• To make it more delicious, deep fry the boiled potato cubes[on the stove top] before adding to the tomato puree mixture.
• Fresh cream can be used instead of yogurt.
• Add a couple of teaspoons of cashew paste/ powder in step 7 for a rich and creamy gravy.
• Fresh peas can also be used
• A little bit of Kasuri Methi [Dried fenugreek leaves] can also be added a minute after adding the curd in step 10 .
• The cooking time will vary with the MW brand / voltage and the quantity of ingredients used. So adjust the timings accordingly.

Sending this to MEC- Pot Luck Party hosted by Srivalli @ Cooking 4 All Seasons whose event is celebrating its 4th anniversary and to Subzi's for Roti hosted by Radhika @ Tickling Palates.

This Day That Year....

2010- Tamatar Ka Shorba - Indian Tomato soup - Microwave Version. Incidentally, I made this post for Srivalli's MEC event themed Potluck party which celebrated its 3rd anniversary last year......

2009 - Pachai Payaru Kadaiyal / Green gram gravy - A taste from Kongunad....

2008 - Ell Urundai - Delicious sesame balls.

Bon Appetit...