Aloo Matar Gajar: A Simple Pakistani Recipe

by Aleezay Khan

Explore the flavors of Pakistan with a step-by-step guide to making delicious Aloo Matar Gajar recipe:

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Start by washing, peeling, and chopping your potatoes and carrots into small, even pieces. This ensures they cook uniformly. Thaw the peas if you’re using frozen ones.
2. Sauté the Onions: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. Add Ginger and Garlic: Incorporate minced ginger and garlic to the onions, sautéing until their raw smell disappears, about a minute.
4. Spice it Up: Introduce turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Cook the spices for a minute or two, stirring continuously to prevent them from burning.
5. Mix in the Vegetables: Add the chopped potatoes, carrots, and peas to the skillet. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the spice mix.
6. Add Tomatoes and Season: Incorporate chopped tomatoes, green chilies, and salt. Mix well. The tomatoes will release water, helping to deglaze the pan and combine all the flavors.
7. Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid, allowing the vegetables to cook on a low flame. This process will take about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom.
8. Check for Doneness: Once the vegetables are tender, sprinkle garam masala over the dish and give it a gentle stir.
9. Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped coriander. Serve hot with flatbread or rice for a comforting meal.

Expert tip

For an enriching flavor that elevates this dish from good to unforgettable, consider toasting your spices before adding them to the oil. This step, known as “blooming,” releases the oils in the spices, intensifying their flavors and aromas. It’s a simple technique that makes a significant difference. Heat a small pan over low heat, add the spice powders (turmeric, red chili, and coriander), and toast them for just a few seconds until they become fragrant. Be vigilant to prevent burning. This extra step adds depth to your Aloo Matar Gajar, giving it a restaurant-quality flavor that’s both rich and aromatic.

Serving tips

1. Plain Basmati Rice: The simplicity of steamed basmati rice pairs wonderfully, allowing the spices of the dish to shine through.
2. Naan or Roti: A warm, fluffy naan or roti makes for a perfect utensil to scoop up this hearty vegetable dish.
3. Raita: A cool, yogurt-based raita with cucumber or mint can balance the warmth and richness of the spices.
4. Mango Pickle: A small serving of tangy mango pickle adds a zesty contrast to the earthy flavors.
5. Salad: A simple salad of fresh vegetables, dressed lightly, can add a crisp, refreshing element to your meal.

Check more vegetarian recipes

Courgette Curry Recipe
Methi Chicken Recipe
Mixed Vegetable Curry Recipe
Aloo Tamatar Ki Sabzi Recipe
Methi Aloo Gajar Ki Sabzi Recipe

Storage instructions

Store your Aloo Matar Gajar dish properly to maintain its freshness and flavor for longer enjoyment:

To Store:

Allow the Aloo Matar Gajar to cool to room temperature. Transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored, it can last for up to 3-4 days, retaining its taste and freshness.

To Reheat:

For best results, reheat it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, covered, stirring at intervals to ensure even heating.

Conclusion

In the realm of cooking, simplicity often leads to the most profound pleasures, and the Aloo Matar Gajar recipe stands as a testament to this truth. By mixing the humble yet vibrant flavors of potatoes, carrots, and peas with a blend of aromatic spices, this dish exemplifies how basic ingredients can be transformed into a culinary masterpiece. It’s a celebration of Pakistani cuisine’s ability to elevate everyday vegetables into a feast for the senses, providing a comforting and nourishing meal that’s both easy to prepare and pleasing to savor. Mastering the Aloo Matar Gajar not only enriches your table with a dish bursting with flavors but also enhances your cooking skills, encouraging you to explore the beauty and simplicity of using fresh, wholesome ingredients.

Whether it’s a story of your first attempt, a twist you added to personalize the recipe, or simply the memories created around the dining table, your experiences enrich the tapestry of cooking and community. So, go ahead, share your Aloo Matar Gajar story with me, I can’t wait to hear all about it.

Frequently asked questions

What is Aloo Matar Gajar?

Aloo Matar Gajar is a traditional Pakistani vegetarian dish made with potatoes (Aloo), peas (Matar), and carrots (Gajar). It’s cooked with a blend of spices that give it a unique and flavorful taste. This dish is celebrated for its simplicity, vibrant colors, and comforting flavors, making it a staple in home cooking and special occasions alike.

Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen peas and carrots for this recipe, which can save on preparation time and still deliver a delicious taste. Frozen vegetables are typically blanched before freezing, so they may require a slightly shorter cooking time.

How long can I store Aloo Matar Gajar, and how should I reheat it?

Aloo Matar Gajar can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can do so on the stove over medium heat, adding a little water if necessary to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, it can be reheated in the microwave, covered, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Aloo Matar Gajar: A Simple Pakistani Recipe

Discover how to make Aloo Matar Gajar, a flavorful Pakistani dish. Easy recipe for a vibrant meal. #AlooMatarGajar #HealthyEating

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Servings 4 People

Ingredients

  

• Potatoes Aloo: 2 medium-sized, peeled and diced, for a hearty base.
• Carrots Gajar: 2 large, peeled and chopped, adding a sweet crunch.
• Peas Matar: 1 cup, fresh or frozen, for bursts of freshness.
• Onion: 1 large finely chopped, to add depth and sweetness.
• Tomatoes: 2 medium-sized finely chopped, for tanginess.
• Green Chilies: 2 finely chopped, for a kick of heat.
• Garlic: 2 cloves minced, for an aromatic base.
• Ginger: 1 inch piece minced, for a zesty punch.
• Cumin Seeds Jeera: 1 tsp, for a nutty flavor.
• Turmeric Powder Haldi: 1/2 tsp, for color and health benefits.
• Red Chili Powder: 1 tsp for heat and color.
• Coriander Powder Dhaniya: 1 tsp, for a lemony touch.
• Garam Masala: 1/2 tsp for a warm flavor.
• Salt: to taste for seasoning.
• Vegetable Oil: 2 tbsp for cooking.
• Fresh Coriander Cilantro: for garnishing, adding freshness and color.

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Vegetables: Start by washing, peeling, and chopping your potatoes and carrots into small, even pieces. This ensures they cook uniformly. Thaw the peas if you're using frozen ones.
• Sauté the Onions: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
• Add Ginger and Garlic: Incorporate minced ginger and garlic to the onions, sautéing until their raw smell disappears, about a minute.
• Spice it Up: Introduce turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Cook the spices for a minute or two, stirring continuously to prevent them from burning.
• Mix in the Vegetables: Add the chopped potatoes, carrots, and peas to the skillet. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the spice mix.
• Add Tomatoes and Season: Incorporate chopped tomatoes, green chilies, and salt. Mix well. The tomatoes will release water, helping to deglaze the pan and combine all the flavors.
• Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid, allowing the vegetables to cook on a low flame. This process will take about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom.
• Check for Doneness: Once the vegetables are tender, sprinkle garam masala over the dish and give it a gentle stir.
• Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped coriander. Serve hot with flatbread or rice for a comforting meal.

Notes

For an enriching flavor that elevates this dish from good to unforgettable, consider toasting your spices before adding them to the oil. This step, known as "blooming," releases the oils in the spices, intensifying their flavors and aromas. It's a simple technique that makes a significant difference. Heat a small pan over low heat, add the spice powders (turmeric, red chili, and coriander), and toast them for just a few seconds until they become fragrant. Be vigilant to prevent burning. This extra step adds depth to your Aloo Matar Gajar, giving it a restaurant-quality flavor that's both rich and aromatic.