Peas in Onion Tomato Gravy (Matar Masala Recipe)
A popular dish in Indian cuisine, Peas in Onion Tomato Gravy (Matar Masala) is a comforting and flavorful curry that pairs well with chapatis, rice, or even parathas. This hearty vegetarian dish is made using fresh green peas cooked in a savory onion and tomato base, enriched with a mix of aromatic spices and a creamy cashew paste, making it both satisfying and nutritious. Here’s how you can prepare this delightful dish from scratch!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh Green Peas | 1 cup |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chili Powder | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Coriander Powder (Dhaniya) | 1 teaspoon |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek) | A pinch |
| Salt | To taste |
| Garam Masala | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Onions | 2, finely chopped |
| Tomatoes | 3, finely chopped |
| Green Chilies | 3, slit |
| Garlic Cloves | 10, crushed |
| Ginger | 2-inch piece, grated |
| Cashews | 20 |
| Almond Milk or Water | 2 teaspoons |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 3
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Cooking the Green Peas
- Begin by washing the fresh green peas thoroughly.
- Add the peas to a saucepan and cover them with water.
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt into the water and cook the peas until they become tender.
- Once cooked, drain the water and set the peas aside for later.
Step 2: Preparing the Onion and Tomato Gravy
- Heat oil in a pan or kadhai over medium heat.
- Add the grated ginger and crushed garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the raw aroma fades and the garlic softens.
- Now, add the chopped onions to the pan and cook until they turn soft and golden brown. This may take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the onions are cooked, add the slit green chilies and sauté for another minute.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and pulpy, about 5 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool, then blend it into a smooth paste.
Step 3: Preparing the Cashew Paste
- In the same pan, add the cashews and a few tablespoons of almond milk (or water).
- Once the mixture softens, blend it into a smooth paste. Set this aside.
Step 4: Cooking the Spices
- In a separate pan, heat a little oil and add the cumin seeds (jeera). Let them splutter for about 10 seconds.
- Next, add the prepared onion-tomato paste to the pan and cook it for 5 minutes on medium heat.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt to the paste. Mix well and cook the spices for 3 minutes.
- Add the cooked green peas to this mixture and stir gently. Cook for another 5 minutes on low heat, ensuring the peas are well-coated with the spice mixture.
Step 5: Final Touches
- Sprinkle a pinch of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek) for an aromatic touch.
- After 2 minutes, stir in the cashew paste, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This will give the gravy a rich, creamy texture.
- Sprinkle garam masala and mix well. Let the curry cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, then remove from the heat.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Serving Suggestions
Peas in Onion Tomato Gravy is best served hot with Gujarati Kadhi (a yogurt-based curry) and phulkas (Indian flatbreads). This combination makes for a delicious and wholesome lunch or dinner. You can also serve it with steamed rice, jeera rice, or parathas for a more filling meal.
Tips and Variations
- Creaminess: For a richer texture, you can add a tablespoon of fresh cream or coconut milk in place of almond milk.
- Spices: Adjust the level of heat in the curry by modifying the quantity of green chilies and red chili powder.
- Vegan Option: Use water or coconut milk instead of almond milk for a vegan-friendly variation.
This Matar Masala (Peas in Onion Tomato Gravy) recipe is a perfect addition to your regular meal rotation, bringing together a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. The fragrant spices, the sweetness of peas, and the richness from cashew paste make this dish an absolute favorite in Indian households. Whether you enjoy it with rice, chapati, or paratha, this dish is sure to leave you craving more!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 215 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sodium | 320mg |
| Sugars | 5g |
