Methi Matar Pulao – Fenugreek and Green Peas Pulao Recipe
Methi Matar Pulao is a delicious, flavorful Indian rice dish, made with fenugreek leaves (methi), green peas (matar), aromatic spices, and coconut milk. This light yet nutritious meal is perfect for lunch or dinner, packed with the goodness of fenugreek leaves and rice. The earthy flavor of methi combined with the sweetness of peas makes for a harmonious dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a side of yogurt or pickle.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green peas (Matar) – steamed | 1 cup |
| Rice (preferably basmati) | 1 cup |
| Fenugreek leaves (Methi) – rinsed and chopped | 200 grams |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Ginger – grated | 1 teaspoon |
| Green chilies – slit | 2 |
| Coconut milk | 1 cup |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | ½ teaspoon |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) pods/seeds | 2 |
| Cinnamon stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Bay leaf (Tej Patta) – torn | 1 |
| Ghee or sesame oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Total Time
65 minutes
Servings
4
Cuisine
Indian
Course
Lunch
Diet
Vegetarian
Instructions
To begin making the Methi Matar Pulao, we’ll be preparing this dish in a single pot to allow all the flavors to blend beautifully. Follow these easy steps to create this wholesome meal:
-
Heat the Oil: Start by heating 2 tablespoons of ghee or sesame oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
-
Cook the Fenugreek Leaves: Add the 200 grams of rinsed and chopped fenugreek leaves (methi) to the pan. Stir in ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder. Continue sautéing for a couple of minutes until the fenugreek leaves soften.
-
Add the Spices and Rice: Now, add the whole spices—2 cloves, 2 cardamom pods, 1-inch cinnamon stick, and 1 torn bay leaf (tej patta). Stir them with the methi mixture for a few seconds to release their aromatic flavors. Add the 1 cup of rice to the pan and stir to coat the rice with the spices and methi leaves.
-
Add Liquid: Pour in 1 cup of coconut milk and 1 cup of water. Season with salt to taste. Stir everything together to combine. Check the salt and adjust according to your preference.
-
Cook the Pulao: Bring the rice mixture to a quick boil over medium heat. Once the mixture starts boiling, lower the heat to the lowest setting and cover the pan. Let the rice cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the water is completely absorbed and the rice is tender.
-
Let the Rice Rest: Once the rice has absorbed all the water, turn off the heat. Let the Methi Matar Pulao rest for about 5 minutes with the lid on. This helps the flavors to settle.
-
Finish with Steamed Peas and Ghee: After 5 minutes, open the pan and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Add the steamed green peas (matar) and 1 tablespoon of ghee. Stir to combine the peas and ghee into the rice, ensuring everything is well mixed.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Your Methi Matar Pulao is now ready to be served. Serve it warm, accompanied by a side of Tomato Onion Raita and a crispy roasted Papad for an extra treat.
Serving Suggestions
Methi Matar Pulao is a wonderfully versatile dish that can be served as a main course or as a side. For a complete meal, pair it with a refreshing raita, such as a simple cucumber or tomato onion raita, and a crispy papad. This flavorful pulao is also great for lunch boxes or a light dinner.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
Why You’ll Love This Methi Matar Pulao
- Flavorful: The mix of methi leaves and spices gives this dish a distinctive flavor that is comforting yet vibrant.
- Nutritious: Packed with the goodness of fenugreek (methi), green peas, and rice, this pulao is a healthy, filling meal.
- Versatile: It pairs beautifully with raita, papad, or even a curry on the side.
- Easy to Make: This one-pot dish is simple to prepare and doesn’t require complex cooking techniques, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
This Methi Matar Pulao is a great way to enjoy the nutritious benefits of fenugreek leaves while indulging in the comforting flavors of Indian cuisine. Whether you’re preparing a meal for yourself or entertaining guests, this dish will surely be a hit. Enjoy the heartwarming taste of this aromatic pulao that brings together the earthy flavors of methi and the sweetness of peas in every bite!
