I’ve learned all kinds of useful things from about.com…..

Including, how to make aloo matar, which could be absolutely the wrong way to spell it. Nonetheless, it is peas and potatoes, only Indian, and tasty. Here is the recipe I got:

There are many, many different ways to prepare Aloo Matar, Indian spiced potatoes and peas. Some recipes use a coconut base, and others simmer the potatoes in a tomato sauce. This basic recipe uses a few simple spices for a flavorful and tangy Indian food dish that is both vegetarian and vegan. Serve with rice, if desired.
Ingredients:

* 3 tbsp vegetable oil
* 2 onions, diced
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced or grated
* 1 bay leaf
* 4 potatoes, chopped
* 1 1/2 cups peas
* 2 tbsp water
* 1 1/2 tsp garam masala
* 1 tsp paprika
* 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
* salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:
In a large skillet over medium high heat, sautee the onion, garlic and ginger for 3 to 5 minutes, or until onions are soft.

Add the bay leaf, potatoes and peas and stir to combine. Add the water. Cover and allow to cook at least ten minutes, or until potatoes are almost softened.

Add the garam masala and paprika. Cover and cook another 8 to 10 minutes.

Remove from heat. Stir in the cilantro and add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with rice if desired.

I mostly followed this (!!!) because the instructions are so direct and non-prescriptive. Though I had these originally with flatbread for this incarnation I had some thick, doughy whole wheat tortillas from tj’s, which worked great. Someone made me this a few months ago, and  at that time the peas POPPED in your mouth, and I was cooking for somebody who has this things that explode in your mouth a little bit-apparently things like steel-cut oats do this. I have no idea whether or not this is true; I don’t have the patience to invest more than three minutes in my oatmeal. Anyhow, when I made this the peas didn’t pop, but I also had the unexpected issue of not having a lid big enough to cover all the crap in the pan I was cooking it in, so that’s problematic…..I mean, it worked out, but the pea-popping might have been attained with the proper tools.

In other news, I got in the UW. Party for me. I am still divining what really fabulous treat I am going to acquire for myself as a result of this outcome, because that whole actualizing-life-goals thing clearly isn’t enough.  Because something really extravagant and meaningful is called for outside the normal realm of getting a haircut or cake or whatever. I have yet to figure out what this is, aside from getting a big fat thumbs-up from the universe.