Spiced Aloo Keema with Potatoes and Peas

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty North Indian style keema curry combining ground meat with tender potatoes and peas simmered in aromatic spices. This Indian recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs ground lamb or beef, potatoes, green peas for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tablespoon ginger paste, 1 tablespoon garlic paste, and 1 small finely chopped green chili; cook for 2 minutes until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 medium finely chopped tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until they break down and the oil starts to separate.
  5. Step 5: Mix in 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook spices for 1 minute.
  6. Step 6: Add 500 grams ground lamb or beef and cook on medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the meat until browned.
  7. Step 7: Add 2 medium diced potatoes and 1/2 cup frozen peas, stir well to coat with spices.
  8. Step 8: Pour in 1 cup water, cover, and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes until potatoes are tender and sauce thickens.
  9. Step 9: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon garam masala and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro. Stir gently and cook for 2 more minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Aloo Keema with Potatoes and Peas take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spiced Aloo Keema with Potatoes and Peas?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground lamb or beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Aloo Keema with Potatoes and Peas?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spiced Aloo Keema with Potatoes and Peas for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Spiced Aloo Keema with Potatoes and Peas?

Indian indian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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