Matar Chi Usal Recipe – Green Peas in Onion-Tomato Gravy
Matar Chi Usal is a popular Maharashtrian dish made with fresh green peas (matar), potatoes, and a flavorful onion-tomato gravy. This dish combines aromatic spices and a rich base of sautéed onions, tomatoes, and spices. It’s a comforting and satisfying vegetarian meal, perfect for lunch or dinner. You can enjoy it with warm rotis or rice, making it a versatile dish to add to your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green peas (Matar) | 2 cups (fresh, preferably) |
| Potatoes (Aloo) | 2 medium, cubed |
| Onions | 2 large, finely chopped |
| Tomato | 1 large, chopped |
| Garlic cloves | 4, minced |
| Fresh ginger | 1/2 inch piece, minced |
| Sunflower oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Red chilli powder | 1 teaspoon (preferably Byadgi chilli powder) |
| Kashmiri red chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Fresh coriander (Dhania) leaves | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Protein | ~3g |
| Carbohydrates | ~28g |
| Fat | ~6g |
| Fiber | ~5g |
| Sodium | ~500 mg |
(Approximate values based on typical ingredient amounts. Nutritional content may vary.)
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 35 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 75 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 5
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
To start, make sure all your ingredients are ready. Chop the onions, tomatoes, garlic, and ginger. Cube the potatoes and set aside the fresh green peas.
Step 2: Heat the Oil and Temper the Spices
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the sunflower oil over medium flame. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds. Allow them to splutter, then add the asafoetida. Next, add the curry leaves for a burst of flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
Add the finely chopped onions to the pan. Sauté until they turn translucent and begin to soften. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and ginger. Cook the mixture for an additional 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the Spices
Now, add the turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and Kashmiri red chilli powder to the pan. Stir well and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to release their full flavor and color.
Step 5: Cook the Potatoes
Add the cubed potatoes to the pan and mix well. Pour in 1 cup of water to cover the potatoes and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover the pan, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, until the potatoes are halfway cooked.
Step 6: Add the Green Peas and Tomatoes
Once the potatoes are partially cooked, add the fresh green peas and chopped tomatoes to the pan. Stir everything together. Adjust the gravy’s consistency by adding more water if needed. Cover the pan and let it cook for another 10-12 minutes, allowing the peas and potatoes to cook through and the flavors to meld together.
Step 7: Add Garam Masala and Salt
Once the peas and potatoes are cooked to your liking, add the garam masala powder and salt to taste. Stir the mixture well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to blend. If you prefer a thicker gravy, cook for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and garnish the Matar Chi Usal with freshly chopped coriander leaves. This will add a refreshing, aromatic touch to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Matar Chi Usal is best enjoyed with rotis (Indian flatbread) or rice. You can also serve it alongside a Carrot Cucumber Tomato Salad dressed with lemon and coriander for a complete and balanced meal.
Tips for the Best Matar Chi Usal
- Use fresh peas for the best flavor, but if fresh peas are unavailable, frozen peas will work just fine.
- You can adjust the spice levels by adding more or less red chilli powder depending on your preference.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- If you like a creamier texture, you can add a little coconut milk or yogurt towards the end of cooking.
Matar Chi Usal is a flavorful, wholesome dish that brings the heart of Maharashtrian cooking to your table. With the earthy taste of green peas and the rich, spiced gravy, this dish is perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner. Whether served with rotis or rice, this simple yet flavorful recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
