Matar Millet Pulao Recipe – Peas Pulao Recipe
Description
Matar Millet Pulao, also known as Peas Pulao, is a delightful and nutritious dish that brings together the goodness of millet and green peas. This healthy alternative to traditional rice-based pulao features foxtail millet, a gluten-free grain rich in protein, fiber, magnesium, and iron. When combined with green peas, the dish takes on a delightful flavor and texture. Easy to prepare and full of wholesome ingredients, this recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, offering a nourishing meal for anyone looking to add more millet to their diet.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Foxtail Millet (Bajra) | 1 cup (soaked in water for 30 minutes) |
| Green Peas (Matar) | 1 cup |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 2 pods |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Bay Leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 leaf |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ghee | For cooking |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Value (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 50 mg |
Instructions
-
Cook the Millet:
Begin by pressure cooking the soaked foxtail millet with 1-1/2 cups of water. Cook for about 2 whistles, ensuring that the millet is just tender but not mushy. Set aside. -
Prepare the Spices:
Heat a heavy-bottomed pan and add ghee. Once the ghee is hot, add the whole spices β cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, and cumin seeds. Allow them to splutter for about 30 seconds, releasing their aromatic flavors. -
Combine Millet and Spices:
Add the cooked millet to the pan with the spiced ghee. Gently toss the millet and spices together, ensuring the grains are well-coated with the fragrant ghee and spices. Add salt to taste and mix well. Turn off the heat after a minute of stirring. -
Blanch the Peas:
In a separate saucepan, bring enough water to a boil to blanch the green peas. Once the water is boiling, add the peas and cook for about 30 seconds. Drain the peas and set them aside. -
Combine the Peas with Millet:
Sprinkle the blanched peas over the prepared millet. Stir gently to combine, allowing the peas to mix with the millet without breaking the grains. -
Serve:
Serve the Matar Millet Pulao hot, ideally with a side of Boondi Raita and a crispy roasted papad for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations:
- Millet Variants: You can try different types of millet, such as pearl millet or finger millet, to suit your preference.
- Add Protein: For added protein, consider incorporating some paneer cubes or boiled chickpeas into the pulao.
- Spice it Up: If you like your dishes spicier, add green chilies or a dash of red chili powder while cooking the spices.
- Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or beans for additional texture and nutrition.
Conclusion
Matar Millet Pulao is a quick, healthy, and delicious dish that’s perfect for any meal. The combination of foxtail millet and peas provides a wholesome, fiber-packed meal thatβs both satisfying and nutritious. This simple recipe brings together the essential flavors of North Indian cuisine in a modern, health-conscious way, making it ideal for anyone seeking to incorporate more millet into their diet.
Serve this vibrant and flavorful pulao with a side of raita and papad, and you have a complete meal ready to enjoy!
