Spicy Matar Masala Recipe: A Flavorful Vegetarian Delight
Introduction:
If you’re looking for a delicious and quick vegetarian dish, Spicy Matar Masala is the perfect recipe to try! This dish, made with tender green peas, is not only full of flavor but also incredibly simple to prepare. In just about an hour, you can bring this rich, aromatic curry to the dinner table, making it a great option when you’re short on time or vegetables. The combination of spices and fresh ingredients ensures each bite is packed with vibrant, satisfying flavors. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, roti, or naan.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green peas | 1 cup (boiled) |
| Oil | As needed |
| Cumin seeds | 1/2 tsp |
| Mustard seeds | 1 tsp |
| Curry leaves | 3 leaves |
| Green chillies (finely chopped) | 2 |
| Bay leaf | 1 (broken) |
| Cardamom (long) | 2 pods |
| Ginger garlic paste | 1 tbsp |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium-sized |
| Onion paste | 1/2 cup |
| Tomato puree | 3/4 cup |
| Red chilli powder | 1 tsp |
| Turmeric powder | 1 tsp |
| Coriander powder | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | As needed |
Instructions
-
Heat the Oil:
Begin by heating oil in a wok or deep pan over medium heat. The oil will help bring out the rich aroma of the spices, forming the base of the dish. -
Add Whole Spices:
Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Let them sizzle for 10 seconds to release their natural flavors. After that, add the curry leaves, broken bay leaf, and the long cardamom pods. Allow these spices to fry for another minute to infuse the oil with their essence. -
Cook the Aromatics:
Next, add the finely chopped onion and ginger-garlic paste to the pan. Stir well and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Let the onions soften and become translucent, as this forms the flavorful base of the gravy. -
Onion Paste:
Add the prepared onion paste and cook the mixture for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The paste will blend into the oil and spices, intensifying the flavors. -
Add Tomato Puree and Spices:
After the onions are soft and well-cooked, add the tomato puree, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt to the pan. Stir to combine everything evenly. Let this mixture cook for 5 to 8 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and form a rich, fragrant gravy. -
Add Green Peas:
Once the tomato base has thickened and the spices are well-mixed, add the boiled green peas. Stir to coat the peas in the masala. Cook for an additional 2 minutes so the peas absorb the spices. -
Adjust Salt and Serve:
Taste the dish and add salt according to your preference. Mix everything together, and your Spicy Matar Masala is ready to be served hot!
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Spicy Matar Masala with hot roti, naan, or steamed rice for a satisfying meal. The rich, spicy gravy will complement any side dish perfectly. Pair it with a cool cucumber raita or a tangy pickle to enhance the flavors.
Pro Tip:
For an extra touch of richness, you can add a dash of cream or a sprinkle of garam masala at the end of cooking. This will add a creamy texture and additional depth to the flavor profile.
Enjoy your homemade Spicy Matar Masala, a true testament to the flavors of Indian cuisine!
