MATAR MASALA

MATAR MASALA


Green Peas ("Matar" in Hindi) are available in plenty during the winter months. Besides, these days you get frozen green peas in most department stores.

It is well-known that green peas are good for health as they are high on nutrients and anti-oxidants

In my house, we use green peas fairly often. Naturally you will find many recipes featuring green peas in this blog.

Some amongst them include:-

• Hare Matar ki Ghugni 
• Spinach & Green Peas Rice 
• Matar chi Usal

Today's recipe is for a side dish made with green peas adapted from Dhaba Style Matar Masala from the Home Cooking Show.

We enjoyed this with hot rotis.

Ingredients:-

• Green Peas, (Fresh or Frozen), 1 cup
• Onion, finely chopped, 1
• Whole Spices (Cinnamom 1 piece, Cloves 2, Green Cardamom 2 ) 
• Turmeric Powder, 1/4 tsp
• Kashmiri Chilli Powder, 2 tsp
• Kitchen King Masala, 1/2 tsp
• Tomato Puree, made from 4 Tomatoes
• Water
• Sugar, 1 tsp
• Kasturi Methi, crushed, 1 tsp 
• Salt, 1 tsp
• Oil, 1 tbsp
• Coriander Leaves, finely chopped, 1 tbsp, for garnish

For Chilli Ginger Garlic Paste:-

• Green Chillies, 1-2
• Ginger, chopped, 1/2 " piece
• Garlic Cloves, chopped, 3

For Onion Cashew Paste:-

• Medium-sized Onions, roughly chopped, 2
• Cashewnuts, 10
• Oil, 1 tbsp

Method:-

First, make the tomato puree by blanching 4 medium-sized tomatoes, cooling them, removing the skin and grinding them in a mixer without adding any water, to form the tomato puree. Keep aside.

Next prepare the Chilli Ginger Garlic Paste : Make a fine paste of the green chillies, ginger and garlic cloves, adding just the required amount of water. Keep aside. 

Prepare the Onion Cashew Paste: In a kadhai, heat 1 tbsp of oil and when it is hot add the roughly chopped onions and the cashew nuts and sauté till the onions turn  slightly golden. Allow this to cool and grind to a fine paste in a mixer jar adding the required amount of water. Keep aside.

In the same kadhai, add 1 tbsp of oil and on medium heat add the whole spices
Sauté for a few seconds till it gives off an aroma
To this add the finely chopped onion and sauté till it turns slightly golden
Next add the prepared Chilli Ginger Garlic Paste and sauté for 1-2 minutes till the raw smell goes
Now add the green peas ( these can be fresh or frozen), turmeric powder, chili powder, salt to taste, and the tomato puree and mix well
Add the required amount of water and cook covered till the green peas get done ( about 15-20 minutes)
Once the green peas get cooked, add sugar, and the Kitchen King Masala and mix well
Cook till the oil separates then add the prepared Onion Cashew Paste and mix till it is well blended
(Adjust the consistency by adding water only if required)
Lastly, mix in the crushed Kasuri Methi
Switch off the gas
Transfer to serving bowl and garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves

Serve hot with roti or chappatis