Spicy Matar Masala Recipe
Introduction
Embark on a culinary journey with this delightful Spicy Matar Masala, a classic Indian dish that captures the essence of rich flavors and vibrant colors. The combination of tender green peas, aromatic spices, and a rich tomato base creates a comforting and hearty meal perfect for dinner. Whether served with warm roti or paired with dal, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your dining table.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green peas (Matar) – boiled | 1 cup |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 3 to 4 leaves |
| Green chillies – finely chopped | 2 |
| Bay leaf (tej patta) – broken | 1 |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 to 3 |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 2-3 pods |
| Ginger garlic paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion – finely chopped | 1 medium |
| Onion – paste | 1/2 cup |
| Homemade tomato puree | 3/4 cup |
| Red chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1-1/2 teaspoons |
| Salt – as required | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 180 |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 4
Instructions
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Heating the Oil: Begin by heating a generous amount of oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Allow them to splutter, releasing their aromatic essence into the oil.
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Adding Aromatics: Next, incorporate the curry leaves, broken bay leaf, cloves, and cardamom pods into the pan. Sauté these spices for about a minute, allowing their flavors to meld beautifully.
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Incorporating Heat: Add the finely chopped green chillies and ginger-garlic paste to the mixture. Stir well and cook for an additional minute, ensuring the raw aroma of garlic dissipates.
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Softening Onions: Now, introduce the finely chopped onions into the pan. Sauté them until they become soft and translucent, which should take around 5 to 7 minutes.
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Creating the Base: Add the onion paste to the pan and continue to cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently. The mixture should become rich and fragrant.
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Adding Tomatoes and Spices: Pour in the homemade tomato puree and mix in all the spices, including red chilli powder, turmeric, coriander powder, and salt. Let this cook for about 5 to 8 minutes, or until the oil starts separating from the masala, indicating the flavors have developed.
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Final Touches: Gently fold in the boiled green peas and allow the dish to simmer for an additional 2 minutes. This brief cooking time will help the peas absorb the vibrant flavors of the masala.
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Adjusting Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the salt and spice levels according to your preference. Once satisfied, turn off the heat.
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Serving Suggestions: Serve your Spicy Matar Masala hot with warm roti and a side of dal for a fulfilling meal that warms the heart and delights the palate.
Conclusion
This Spicy Matar Masala recipe is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors that showcases the beauty of Indian cuisine. With its simple yet impactful ingredients, it brings a taste of tradition to your table, making every bite a cherished experience. Enjoy this delightful recipe with family and friends for a truly memorable dinner!
This carefully crafted Spicy Matar Masala will surely find a cherished spot in your recipe repertoire, bringing warmth and spice to your meals.
