Green Peas Nimona Recipe: A Traditional Awadhi Delight
Description:
Green Peas Nimona is a delicious and wholesome side dish from the heart of North India, particularly famous in cities like Lucknow and Kanpur. Often prepared during the winter months when fresh green peas are abundant, this dish offers a unique and flavorful way to enjoy peas. Rich in spices, this vegetarian dish makes for a perfect addition to any lunch spread. Whether paired with jeera rice or lauki raita, Green Peas Nimona is sure to captivate your taste buds with its delicate flavors and textures.
Cuisine: Awadhi
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green peas (Matar) | 250 grams |
| Badi (Urad Dal Vadi) | 1 cup |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 2 tablespoons |
| Ginger Garlic Paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Tomatoes | 2, finely chopped |
| Salt | To taste |
| Red Chilli Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 tablespoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1-1/2 tablespoons |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Green Chillies (finely chopped) | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh Ginger (grated) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | For garnishing |
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Instructions
-
Grind the Peas:
Begin by coarsely grinding the green peas in a blender. Add a little water to help the grinding process. Once ground, set the pea mixture aside. -
Prepare the Peas Puree:
Heat ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, a pinch of asafoetida (hing), chopped ginger, and finely chopped green chillies. Stir them for a minute to release the flavors. Next, add the coarsely ground peas mixture to the pan. Let it cook on a low flame, stirring occasionally, until the mixture turns slightly golden. Once done, switch off the heat and set it aside. -
Fry the Vadi (Urad Dal Vadi):
In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and fry the urad dal vadi (badi) until they turn golden brown. Set these fried vadis aside for later. -
Prepare the Spice Base:
In another pan, heat the remaining oil. Add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds and allow them to splutter. After about a minute, add ginger garlic paste and onion paste. Saute the mixture on medium flame until it becomes golden brown and aromatic. -
Cook the Spices:
Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, and coriander powder to the pan. Stir everything together and let the spices cook for 2-3 minutes, ensuring they don’t burn. -
Add Tomatoes:
Now, add the finely chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook them until they soften and the oil separates from the masala. This should take about 5 minutes. -
Combine Everything Together:
Once the tomatoes have cooked down, add the golden fried pea puree and vadis to the pan. Stir everything together, allowing the mixture to cook for another 2-3 minutes. The consistency should thicken, and the oil will begin to separate from the sides of the pan. -
Simmer the Dish:
Add 1-1/2 cups of water to the pan and let the entire mixture cook for another 5-8 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Keep the heat on low to ensure the dish doesn’t burn. -
Finishing Touches:
After the cooking time, switch off the heat and sprinkle garam masala powder and freshly chopped coriander leaves for garnish. -
Serve:
Green Peas Nimona is best served hot with jeera rice or a side of lauki raita. Enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish as part of your weekday lunch!
Tips & Variations:
- For a richer flavor, you can add a dash of cream towards the end of the cooking process.
- If you prefer a spicier version, increase the number of green chillies or add a touch of red chili paste.
- For an added crunch, you can serve with crispy fried onions or roasted cashews on top.
Green Peas Nimona is a dish that combines the warmth of traditional Indian spices with the goodness of peas, making it an excellent choice for both lunch and dinner. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop, creating a satisfying and aromatic dish that’s perfect for family meals.
