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Arvi Masala (Taro Root Curry)

55 min Medium 4 servings

Serves 4 · Total 55 min · Prep 15 min · Cook 40 min

Updated on 8 November 2026

Boiled and peeled arvi (taro root) pan-browned and tossed in a spiced masala with ajwain and tomato. A favourite everyday Pakistani sabzi, soft inside and lightly crisp outside.

Quick answer: 55 min in total · serves 4 · main ingredients: Taro root (arvi), Onion, Tomato, Carom seeds · amounts in metric and US

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Ingredients

Metric US

500 g 1.1 lb Taro root (arvi)
1 pc 1 pc Onion
2 pc 2 pc Tomato
0.5 tsp 0.5 tsp Carom seeds
0.5 tsp 0.5 tsp Cumin seeds
0.5 tsp 0.5 tsp Turmeric
1 tsp 1 tsp Red chilli powder
1 tsp 1 tsp Coriander powder
4 tbsp 4 tbsp Cooking oil
to taste to taste Salt
0.5 pc 0.5 pc Lemon (Optional)

Steps

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Boil the whole arvi in water for 15 to 20 minutes until a knife slides in easily. Cool, peel and press each one lightly flat.
⏱ Boiling · 18 min
Heat 3 tablespoons of oil and shallow-fry the arvi on medium heat until golden and lightly crisp. Lift out.
⏱ Frying · 10 min
In the remaining oil, crackle ajwain and cumin, add the chopped onion and fry until golden, then add tomatoes, turmeric, chilli, coriander and salt and cook to a thick masala.
⏱ Cooking masala · 12 min
Add the fried arvi and a splash of water, cover and cook for 5 minutes. Finish with a squeeze of lemon and serve.
⏱ Simmering · 5 min

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Arvi Masala (Taro Root Curry) take?

55 minutes in total: about 15 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of cooking.

Is Arvi Masala (Taro Root Curry) hard to make?

Degchi rates it medium. The method has 4 steps, and 4 of them have a timer you can start on this page.

How many people does Arvi Masala (Taro Root Curry) serve?

This recipe serves 4. Use the toggle above the ingredient list to see the amounts in metric or US measures. For more or fewer portions, scale every amount in the same proportion, or use the servings control in the Degchi app.

Is Arvi Masala (Taro Root Curry) halal, vegetarian or eggless?

It is marked halal in our recipe data. It is vegetarian. It has no egg. It has no beef. Check the labels on any packaged ingredients for your own needs.

What will I probably need to buy for Arvi Masala (Taro Root Curry)?

Everyday staples that Degchi counts as pantry basics: turmeric, red chilli powder, cooking oil, salt. Spice-box items: carom seeds, cumin seeds, coriander powder. Fresh items you will probably need to buy: taro root (arvi), onion, tomato.

Any tips for making Arvi Masala (Taro Root Curry)?

Oil your hands when peeling arvi; raw or sticky taro can irritate skin. Do not undercook the arvi; it should be fully tender before frying.