Green Peas Nimona Recipe (Awadhi Style)
A Delightful and Flavorful Dish for Your Weekday Lunch
Green Peas Nimona is a traditional Awadhi delicacy that combines the earthy flavors of green peas with crispy urad dal vadi (dal fritters) and a rich, spiced gravy. With its subtle heat, aromatic spices, and smooth texture, this dish makes for a perfect lunch or dinner, especially when paired with Jeera Rice and Lauki Raita. The balance of flavors from cumin, ginger, and garam masala, along with the crispy texture of the dal vadi, makes Green Peas Nimona a heartwarming, comforting dish.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green peas (Matar) | 250 grams |
| Urad dal vadi (Badi) | 1 cup |
| Onion (paste) | 2 tablespoons |
| Ginger garlic paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Tomatoes | 2, finely chopped |
| Salt | To taste |
| Red chili powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 tablespoon |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1 ½ tablespoons |
| Garam masala powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | ½ teaspoon |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Sunflower oil | 3 tablespoons (1 + 2 tablespoons) |
| Green chilies (finely chopped) | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh ginger (grated) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 2 teaspoons |
| Fresh coriander leaves | 3 sprigs (for garnishing) |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250-280 kcal |
| Protein | 8-10 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 45-50 grams |
| Fiber | 10-12 grams |
| Fat | 10-12 grams |
| Sodium | 350-450 mg |
Preparation Time: 15 Minutes
Cooking Time: 45 Minutes
Total Time: 60 Minutes
Servings: 3
Cuisine: Awadhi
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prepare the Peas Puree
Start by coarsely grinding the green peas (matar) in a blender. Add just a little water to facilitate the grinding process. Once done, set the pea puree aside for later use.
“Link To Share” is your all-in-one marketing platform, making it easy and professional to direct your audience to everything you offer. • Modern, customizable bio pages • Link shortening with advanced analytics • Interactive, brandable QR codes • Host static sites and manage your code • Multiple web tools to grow your business -
-
Cook the Green Peas
In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee on medium heat. Add the cumin seeds (jeera), a pinch of asafoetida (hing), grated ginger, and finely chopped green chilies. Sauté these ingredients for about a minute to release their aromas. Then, add the coarsely ground green peas into the pan. Stir well and cook the mixture on a low flame, allowing it to turn a light golden brown. Once done, remove the pan from heat and set aside. -
Fry the Dal Vadis
Heat 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil in another pan. Once the oil is hot, carefully fry the urad dal vadi (badi) until golden and crispy. This adds texture and flavor to the dish. Once fried, remove the vadis and set them aside on paper towels to absorb excess oil. -
Prepare the Spice Gravy
In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil. Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and a clove, frying them for about a minute until they sizzle and release their fragrance. Add the ginger-garlic paste and onion paste. Sauté these ingredients on medium heat until the paste turns golden and aromatic. -
Cook the Spices
Now, add turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, and coriander powder to the onion-ginger-garlic mixture. Stir the spices well and cook them for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to release their flavors and infuse the oil. -
Add Tomatoes and Simmer
Add the finely chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook them down until the oil starts separating from the gravy, indicating that the spices are well incorporated. -
Combine Peas and Vadi
Add the prepared green peas puree to the pan, followed by the fried dal vadis. Stir the mixture for 2-3 minutes, allowing the peas and vadis to absorb the spices. Continue stirring until the mixture leaves the sides of the pan, indicating that it is well-cooked and the flavors have melded together. -
Add Water and Simmer
Add 1 ½ cups of water to the pan, and stir well. Let the curry cook for 5-8 minutes on low heat, ensuring that everything comes together in a thick, flavorful consistency. -
Final Touches
Once the curry is cooked, turn off the heat. Sprinkle the garam masala powder and fresh coriander leaves on top to finish. The garam masala will enhance the dish’s flavor, and the coriander leaves will add freshness and color. -
Serve
Serve your Green Peas Nimona hot, paired with Jeera Rice (cumin rice) and Lauki Raita (bottle gourd yogurt) for a complete and satisfying meal. The combination of flavors and textures will surely be a hit at your next lunch or dinner.
Tips for the Best Green Peas Nimona
-
Use Fresh Peas: While frozen peas can be used in a pinch, fresh peas offer a better texture and flavor. If you can’t find fresh peas, ensure that you use high-quality frozen peas.
-
Adjust Spice Levels: The amount of red chili powder and green chilies can be adjusted based on your spice preference. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the chili content.
-
Consistency: If you prefer a thinner gravy, feel free to add more water. If you’d like a thicker curry, let it simmer longer to reduce the sauce.
-
Ghee for Richness: While ghee is optional, it adds a beautiful richness to the dish. If you’re avoiding ghee, you can substitute with more sunflower oil.
-
Vadi Variations: You can also experiment with different types of vadis, such as moong dal vadi or chana dal vadi, to add variety to the dish.
Why You’ll Love Green Peas Nimona
Green Peas Nimona is an inviting and fragrant dish that beautifully blends the delicate taste of green peas with the savory, crispy dal vadis. The rich gravy, flavored with turmeric, coriander, and garam masala, ties everything together, creating a deliciously satisfying vegetarian curry. The versatility of this dish allows it to be paired with a variety of accompaniments, from jeera rice to roti, making it a wonderful addition to your weeknight dinner repertoire. Enjoy the comforting flavors of Awadhi cuisine with this easy-to-make, wholesome recipe!
This flavorful Green Peas Nimona recipe brings you a traditional taste of North India, offering a delightful combination of textures and spices. Ideal for a family meal or special occasion, it promises to transport you to the heart of Awadhi cooking. Enjoy!
