Wedding Anniversary special Iftar
Wedding Anniversary special Iftar is a easy Indian recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Sayne Arju on YouTube.
Prep: 8 hrs 30 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 9 hrs 20 min
Cost: $6.65 total, $1.66 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Dried Green Peas (soaked overnight, drained and rinsed)
- 2 medium Potatoes (peeled and diced ½ inch cubes)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger Garlic Paste (store‑bought or homemade)
- 3 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (for cooking the curry)
- 2 cups Vegetable Oil (for deep‑frying puris)
- 2 cups Whole Wheat Flour (for puri dough)
- 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour (optional, makes dough softer)
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt (divided between dough and curry)
- 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
- 0.5 teaspoon Garam Masala
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
- 1 cup Mixed Fresh Fruit (e.g., apple, banana, orange, cut bite‑size)
Instructions
Soak the Peas
Place 1 cup dried green peas in a bowl, cover with plenty of water and let soak overnight (at least 8 hours). Drain and rinse before using.
Time: PT8H
Prep the Vegetables
Peel and dice the potatoes into ½‑inch cubes. If using store‑bought ginger‑garlic paste, measure 1 tbsp; otherwise mince equal parts fresh ginger and garlic.
Time: PT5M
Make the Puri Dough
In a mixing bowl combine 2 cups whole wheat flour, 2 tbsp all‑purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and enough water (about ¾ cup) to form a firm, non‑sticky dough. Knead for 5‑7 minutes until smooth.
Time: PT10M
Rest the Dough
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let rest for 10 minutes. This relaxes the gluten and makes rolling easier.
Time: PT10M
Prepare Fruit Side
Wash and cut the mixed fruit into bite‑size pieces. Set aside in a bowl.
Time: PT5M
Cook the Curry Base
Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ½ tsp cumin seeds and let sizzle for 30 seconds.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Aromatics
Stir in the ginger‑garlic paste and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium heat
Spice It Up
Add ½ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp red chili powder, and ½ tsp garam masala. Stir quickly for 1 minute.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Peas and Potatoes
Add the soaked peas and diced potatoes to the pot. Mix well to coat with spices.
Time: PT2M
Simmer the Curry
Pour in 2 cups water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and peas are soft.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: Low simmer
Roll the Puris
Divide the rested dough into 6 equal balls. On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a thin circle (about 4‑5 inches). If short on time, roll one larger circle and cut into four triangular pieces.
Time: PT5M
Fry the Puris
Heat 2 cups oil in a deep pan over medium‑high heat (≈350°F). Gently slide one puri into the oil; it should puff up within seconds. Fry each side for about 30 seconds until golden brown. Remove with tongs and drain on paper towels.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 350°F
Finish and Serve
Taste the curry and adjust salt if needed. Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve hot with the freshly fried puris and a side of mixed fruit.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 55 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 8 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten
Allergens: Wheat (gluten), Potential cross‑contamination with nuts in fruit
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Dried Green Peas: Frozen peas
- Instead of Potatoes: Sweet potatoes
- Instead of Ginger Garlic Paste: Minced ginger and garlic (½ tsp each)
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil
- Instead of Whole Wheat Flour: All‑purpose flour (less nutritious)
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Extra whole wheat flour
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Turmeric Powder: Ground turmeric
- Instead of Red Chili Powder: Paprika (milder)
- Instead of Cumin Seeds: Ground cumin
- Instead of Garam Masala: Mixed Indian spice blend
- Instead of Fresh Cilantro: Fresh parsley
- Instead of Mixed Fresh Fruit: Any seasonal fruit
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Frying Pan or Kadai
- Mixing Bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Spatula
- Tongs (optional)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Soaking the peas overnight ensures they cook through quickly.
- Kneading and resting the dough properly gives fluffy puris.
- Frying puris at the right oil temperature (≈350°F) is essential for puffing.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a pinch of baking soda to the puri dough for extra puffiness.
- Garnish the curry with a drizzle of ghee for richer flavor (optional).
- Serve with a wedge of lemon and a side of fresh cucumber raita for balance.
Troubleshooting
Peas remain hard after simmering.
Check that peas were fully soaked; add extra water and continue simmering until tender.
Dough is too sticky and hard to roll.
Add a tablespoon of whole wheat flour at a time until the dough is smooth and non‑sticky.
Puris do not puff up.
Make sure oil is hot enough (350°F). Roll the dough thin and avoid over‑crowding the pan.
Storage
Refrigerator: Curry: up to 3 days in an airtight container. Puris: best eaten fresh; can store for 1 day in a sealed container, reheated in a skillet.
Freezer: Curry freezes well for up to 2 months. Puris lose crispness when frozen; not recommended.
Room temperature: Fruit salad can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Soak peas the night before.
- Peel and dice potatoes ahead of time; keep them in water to prevent browning.
- Prepare the dough, cover, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before frying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Matar Aloo Curry in Indian Iftar traditions?
Matar Aloo, a simple pea‑and‑potato curry, is a staple in many Indian households during Ramadan because it is hearty, vegetarian, and quick to prepare after a day of fasting. It reflects the tradition of breaking fast with nourishing, plant‑based dishes that provide energy without being too heavy.
How is Matar Aloo traditionally served during Iftar in North Indian cuisine?
In North Indian Iftar, Matar Aloo is typically served hot alongside fried breads such as puri or naan, accompanied by fresh fruit or a light salad. The combination offers a balance of carbs, protein, and natural sugars to replenish energy after fasting.
What occasions or celebrations is Matar Aloo Curry associated with in Indian culture?
Besides Ramadan Iftar, Matar Aloo is commonly prepared for family gatherings, festivals like Diwali, and everyday meals because of its simplicity and comforting flavors. It is especially popular in households that observe vegetarian diets.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Matar Aloo Curry versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include dried green peas, potatoes, ginger‑garlic paste, cumin seeds, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and whole‑wheat flour for puri. Acceptable substitutes are frozen peas, sweet potatoes, or a pinch of baking soda in the puri dough to aid puffing.
What other Indian dishes pair well with Matar Aloo Curry and Whole Wheat Puri for a complete Iftar meal?
Matar Aloo pairs beautifully with a side of cucumber raita, fresh salad, pickled onions, and a sweet fruit chaat. Adding a simple lentil soup (dal) or a bowl of yogurt can round out the meal.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Matar Aloo Curry at home?
Common errors include not soaking the peas long enough, over‑cooking the potatoes so they fall apart, and adding too much water which dilutes the flavor. Also, seasoning too early can cause the spices to burn.
Why does this recipe use whole wheat flour with a little all‑purpose flour for the puri dough instead of only all‑purpose flour?
Whole wheat flour provides a nutty flavor and higher fiber, while a small amount of all‑purpose flour keeps the dough soft and helps the puris puff more easily. This balance respects the desire to limit refined flour while still achieving a light texture.
Can I make the Matar Aloo Curry ahead of time and how should I store it before serving?
Yes, the curry can be prepared up to two days in advance. Cool it quickly, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if it thickens.
What texture and appearance should I look for when frying the whole wheat puris?
A properly fried puri should puff up instantly, turn golden‑brown, and have a slightly crisp exterior while remaining soft inside. If the puri stays flat or absorbs too much oil, the oil temperature is likely too low.
What does the YouTube channel Sayne Arju specialize in?
The YouTube channel Sayne Arju focuses on home‑cooked Indian meals, especially quick and wholesome recipes for everyday occasions and special events like Ramadan Iftar, with an emphasis on minimal ingredients and authentic flavors.
How does the YouTube channel Sayne Arju's approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?
Sayne Arju emphasizes simplicity and time‑saving techniques, often using pantry staples and avoiding heavy cream or excessive oil, whereas many other Indian cooking channels showcase more elaborate, restaurant‑style preparations.
Last updated: August 28, 2026








