Methi Malai Matar Recipe: Fenugreek Peas Curry with Cream
Methi Malai Matar is a flavorful and creamy North Indian curry made with fenugreek leaves (methi), green peas (matar), and a rich blend of spices and cream. This dish pairs beautifully with parathas or steamed rice and makes a perfect addition to a cozy dinner table. The blend of fresh fenugreek leaves and creamy goodness creates a balance of savory, slightly bitter, and mildly sweet flavors, making it a favorite for those who enjoy both comfort and bold tastes in their meals.
Ingredients for Methi Malai Matar
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Methi Leaves (Fenugreek Leaves) | 3 cups (chopped) |
| Green Peas (Matar) | 1 cup |
| Onions | 3 (cut into four pieces each) |
| Green Chillies | 2 (adjustable) |
| Cashew Nuts | 10 |
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Ginger | 1 inch piece |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Fresh Cream | 1/2 cup |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1/4 tablespoon |
| Sugar | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ghee or Oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Cardamom Pods/Seeds | 2 |
| Cloves (Laung) | 3 |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 tablespoon |
| Black Peppercorns | 5 whole |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1/2 inch |
| Mace (Javitri) | 1/2 piece |
| Black Cardamom (Badi Elaichi) | 1 |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 2
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions for Methi Malai Matar
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Spice Powder (Masala)
- Begin by preparing the dry masala. In a blender, combine the green cardamom, cloves, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, cinnamon stick, mace, and black cardamom. Grind them into a fine powder and set it aside for later use.
Step 2: Boil and Grind the Vegetables and Nuts
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, add enough water to boil the vegetables. Once the water starts boiling, add the onions, cashew nuts, green chillies, garlic cloves, and ginger. Allow these to cook for a few minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Drain the water, and blend the cooked ingredients into a smooth paste. Set this paste aside.
Step 3: Blanch the Methi (Fenugreek) Leaves
- To enhance the color and reduce the bitterness of the fenugreek leaves, blanch them. Add the chopped methi leaves to a pan of hot water and let them cook for about 1 minute.
- After 1 minute, transfer the leaves to a bowl of cold water for about 2 minutes. Drain and squeeze out any excess water from the leaves. Set them aside.
Step 4: Cook the Ground Paste
- Heat ghee or oil in a heavy-bottomed wok or pan over medium heat. Add the ground paste and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You will know it’s ready when the paste releases oil and the aroma of the spices fills the air.
Step 5: Add Green Peas and Milk
- Now, add the green peas and milk to the cooked paste. Allow it to cook for an additional minute to let the flavors combine.
Step 6: Add Dry Spice Powder and Coriander Powder
- Add the dry spice powder (made earlier) along with coriander powder. Mix everything thoroughly and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse into the mixture.
Step 7: Incorporate Methi and Adjust Consistency
- Add the blanched methi leaves, salt, and sugar. Stir well and cook for 2 more minutes. If the curry is too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding a little more milk to achieve the desired texture.
Step 8: Finish with Cream and Kasuri Methi
- Stir in cardamom powder, kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), and fresh cream. Mix everything together and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the cream to blend into the curry.
Step 9: Serve
- Serve the Methi Malai Matar hot, accompanied by Beetroot Thoran, Boondi Raita, and Tawa Paratha for a complete and satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
Methi Malai Matar can be served with various accompaniments like:
- Tawa Paratha or Naan for a traditional Indian bread pairing.
- Steamed Rice or Jeera Rice for a more filling meal.
- Boondi Raita to balance the richness of the curry.
This creamy and aromatic dish makes for an excellent option for dinner or a special occasion, with its rich, aromatic flavors that appeal to both fenugreek lovers and those new to this unique herb.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
This hearty and nutritious curry is packed with the goodness of fenugreek and peas, while the addition of fresh cream and ghee offers a satisfying richness to your palate.
Enjoy this creamy Methi Malai Matar as a luxurious and healthy way to indulge in the flavors of traditional North Indian cuisine!
