Nepali Aloo Phing Curry
A comforting and flavorful vegetarian curry featuring potatoes (aloo) and cellophane noodles (phing) simmered in a spiced tomato-based gravy. This dish is a staple in many Nepali households, offering a delightful blend of textures and aromatic spices.

๐ง Ingredients
- 500 g Potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 100 g Cellophane noodles (mung bean vermicelli)
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 200 g Tomatoes, pureed or finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp Garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 0.5 tsp Garam masala
- 0.25 tsp Red chili powder (optional)
- to taste Salt
- 500 ml Water
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
Soak the cellophane noodles in warm water for about 10-15 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.
๐ก Tip: Soaking the noodles prevents them from becoming mushy when added to the curry. - 2
Heat vegetable oil in a pot or deep pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
๐ก Tip: Spluttering cumin seeds release their aroma into the oil. - 3
Add the chopped onion and sautรฉ until golden brown. Stir in the grated ginger and minced garlic, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
๐ก Tip: Cooking the aromatics well builds a strong flavor base for the curry. - 4
Add the pureed tomatoes, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and red chili powder (if using). Cook the masala for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
๐ก Tip: Cooking the tomato-masala mixture until the oil separates ensures the spices are well-cooked and flavors are developed. - 5
Add the cubed potatoes and salt. Stir well to coat the potatoes with the masala. Pour in the water and bring to a boil.
๐ก Tip: Using cubed potatoes allows them to cook evenly in the gravy. - 6
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
๐ก Tip: Simmering allows the potatoes to absorb the flavors of the curry. - 7
Add the soaked and drained cellophane noodles to the pot. Stir gently and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the noodles are heated through and have absorbed some of the gravy.
๐ก Tip: Add the noodles towards the end to prevent them from overcooking and becoming sticky. - 8
Stir in the garam masala. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice or roti.
๐ก Tip: Garam masala is added at the end to preserve its aromatic qualities.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โAdjust the amount of chili powder to your spice preference.
- โFor a richer flavor, you can add a teaspoon of ghee at the end.
- โIf you don't have cellophane noodles, other types of thin vermicelli can be used, but adjust soaking and cooking times accordingly.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like peas or carrots along with the potatoes.
- For a non-vegetarian version, add cooked chicken or lamb pieces in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing) can be added with the cumin seeds for an authentic flavor.