Bihari Makhana Aur Matar Sabzi: A Delightful Vegetarian Dish
Bihari Makhana Aur Matar Sabzi is a comforting and flavorful vegetarian dish, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. This savory recipe combines the crunchiness of Phool Makhana (lotus seeds) with the soft texture of green peas (matar) to create a delightful contrast of flavors. The dish is spiced with a mix of traditional Bihari spices, making it aromatic and flavorful. With the addition of garam masala and coriander powder, it’s a simple yet satisfying meal that can be served with Phulkas (Indian flatbread) or Kadhi Bari.
This recipe is quick to prepare and requires only a few minutes of cooking, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome and comforting. Let’s dive into the detailed ingredients, nutritional information, and the step-by-step cooking instructions.
Ingredients for Bihari Makhana Aur Matar Sabzi
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Phool Makhana (Lotus Seeds) | 1 cup |
| Green peas (Matar) – blanched | 1-1/2 cups |
| Onion – finely chopped | 1 |
| Cloves (Laung) – roughly pounded | 5 |
| Tomato – finely chopped | 1 |
| Green Chilli – finely chopped | 1 |
| Red Chilli powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Fennel seeds (Saunf) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Methi Seeds (Fenugreek Seeds) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Kalonji (Onion Nigella Seeds) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Coriander Leaves (Dhania) – chopped | 2 teaspoons |
| Sunflower Oil | 2 teaspoons or as required |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
| Sugar | 3 g |
Cooking Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Blanch the Green Peas: Begin by blanching the green peas in hot water. Once done, drain and set them aside.
- Roast the Makhana: In a pan, dry roast the Phool Makhana (lotus seeds) on medium heat for about 5 minutes, until they become crispy. Set aside.
-
Prepare the Masala Base:
- Heat Oil: In the same pan, heat sunflower oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the whole spices—mustard seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, fenugreek seeds, and kalonji (onion nigella seeds). Sauté these spices for a minute until they release their fragrant aroma.
- Add the Onions: Next, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent.
- Add Garlic and Green Chilli: Roughly pound the garlic cloves using a mortar and pestle and add them to the pan. Sauté until the raw garlic smell fades. Add the finely chopped green chilli and sauté for another minute.
-
Cook the Tomatoes and Spices:
- Add Tomatoes: Add the finely chopped tomatoes to the pan. Season with a pinch of salt and sauté until the tomatoes soften and turn mushy.
- Add Ground Spices: Once the tomatoes are cooked, add red chilli powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Stir well to combine and cook for a minute to allow the spices to blend.
-
Add the Green Peas and Makhana:
- Add Green Peas: Now, add the blanched green peas to the pan. Stir well and let it cook for 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to merge.
- Add Roasted Makhana: Add the roasted makhana to the pan and stir everything together. Cook for another 3 minutes, so the makhana absorbs the flavors of the masala.
-
Final Touch:
- Garnish: Once everything is cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Transfer the Bihari Makhana Aur Matar Sabzi into a serving bowl. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
- Bihari Makhana Aur Matar Sabzi pairs perfectly with Phulkas or Kadhi Bari, making it a complete meal.
- You can also enjoy it with steamed rice for a more filling option.
- For an extra touch of flavor, drizzle a little lemon juice over the sabzi before serving.
Why You’ll Love Bihari Makhana Aur Matar Sabzi
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you need something quick yet delicious. The prep and cook time is minimal, so you can enjoy a wholesome, home-cooked meal in just 17 minutes.
- Nutritious: The combination of makhana (lotus seeds) and green peas offers a healthy dose of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
- Flavorful: The use of traditional Bihari spices like garam masala, coriander powder, and nigella seeds infuses this dish with deep, aromatic flavors that are both comforting and satisfying.
- Versatile: Whether you serve it with Phulkas, Kadhi Bari, or rice, this dish adapts well to various meal plans.
Conclusion:
Bihari Makhana Aur Matar Sabzi is an authentic, comforting dish from the Bihari cuisine that you can make in just under 20 minutes. With the crunch of roasted lotus seeds and the softness of green peas, it offers a delicious blend of textures. The aromatic spices elevate the flavors, making this dish a true delight for the taste buds. Enjoy it as a side dish or a main course, and savor the essence of Bihar in every bite!
Happy Cooking!
