Anuja's Aloo Matar

Recipe #4 - Rebel Queen

calligraphy by @kayla_elaine_calligraphy

This dish is dedicated to Sita's beloved younger sister Anuja.

There is no one and nothing in the world that Sita loves and cherishes more than little Anu, and the span of their relationship throughout Rebel Queen is truly heartbreaking. Early on in the book, Anu gets her first taste of betrayal (however unintentional it may be) when Sita leaves her to join Rani Lakshmi's Durga Dal (Women's Army). Even though Sita leaves in order to secure Anu a suitable dowry, she is utterly devistated.

So today I've made little Anu a delicious and comforting meal to soothe her mind in her loneliness. I find that potatoes never fail to comfort me, anyway :)  

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 5 small potatoes (or 3 large), diced (and peeled, if desired - but remember, this is where key nutrients are!)

• 3 cups frozen peas

• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1.5 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 14-oz can diced tomatoes

• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

• 1.5 teaspoons coriander powder

• 1.5 teaspoons garam masala

• 1.5 teaspoons salt (add more if desired, to taste)

• 1 14-oz can coconut milk

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 1 cup fresh cilantro, scantly chopped

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add onions, garlic, jalapeño, fresh ginger, and cumin seeds. Stir to incorporate and cook until onions are soft and translucent.

3. Add tomatoes and simmer for about 5 minutes.

4. Add potatoes, veggie broth, and coconut milk

5. Stir to incorporate, bring to a boil over high heat, and then cover. Turn heat down to med and simmer for about 20 min (until potatoes are soft)

6. Add peas and cilantro, and stir to incorporate.

7. Cook on medium, uncovered, for 5 minutes.

8. Serve over rice, garnish with fresh cilantro.

9. Enjoy!