Green Peas & Paneer in Spiced Coriander Masala
Hariyali Matar Recipe
Description
Hariyali Matar is a classic North Indian side dish that celebrates the fresh and vibrant flavors of green peas cooked in a coriander-based green masala. This dish is a wintertime favorite, thanks to the availability of fresh, sweet green peas during the season. It is paired with paneer cubes for added texture and nutrition, making it a high-protein vegetarian delight. Perfectly spiced with aromatic herbs and served as a side dish, Hariyali Matar is an ideal companion to Indian flatbreads or rice-based dishes.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green peas (Matar) | 2 cups, steamed |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 1/2 cup, cut into small cubes |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1 pinch |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Ingredients for Green Masala
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 2 cups, tightly packed |
| Green Chillies | 2 |
| Garlic | 5 cloves |
| Ginger | 1 inch piece |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Vitamin C | 25 mg |
| Calcium | 120 mg |
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4
Instructions
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare the Green Peas: Peel, wash, and steam the green peas in a steamer. Set aside. |
| 2 | Make the Green Masala: Using a mixer grinder, blend the coriander leaves, green chillies, garlic, ginger, and lemon juice into a fine paste. Add very little water to aid blending. Set aside. |
| 3 | Sauté the Spices: Heat oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add asafoetida and cumin seeds, letting the seeds splutter and release their aroma. |
| 4 | Cook the Masala: Add the ground green masala to the pan. Sauté for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the masala is cooked and starts to come together. |
| 5 | Combine the Peas and Masala: Add the steamed green peas to the pan. Season with salt and add 1 cup of water. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. |
| 6 | Add Paneer: Gently stir in the paneer cubes, ensuring they are evenly coated with the masala. Let the mixture simmer for another 2 minutes. |
| 7 | Serve: Once the gravy thickens slightly and the paneer is warmed through, turn off the heat. Transfer the Hariyali Matar to a serving bowl. |
Serving Suggestions
Hariyali Matar pairs beautifully with Tawa Parathas or plain steamed rice. For a complete meal, serve it alongside Gajar Shimla Mirch Sambharo for a balanced, nutritious, and flavorful dinner. This dish is also a great option for packing in lunch boxes, as it reheats wonderfully and retains its vibrant green color.
Enjoy the goodness of Hariyali Matar, where each bite is a burst of freshness and comfort!
