Peas & Pod Stir Fry (Matar Aur Chilke Ka Sabzi) – Indian Vegetarian Side Dish

Matar Aur Chilke Ka Sabzi (Peas & Peel Stir Fry)
A Flavorful Indian Stir Fry with Green Peas & Peapods

Description:
Matar Aur Chilke Ka Sabzi is a delightful Indian stir fry made from green peas and their pods, combined with the flavors of spring onions and a special mix of spices known as Panch Phoron. This recipe offers an excellent way to utilize the often discarded pea pods. By removing the fibrous vein of the pods, you can create a vegetable stir fry that’s both nutritious and tasty. The spices, including turmeric and red chili powder, give the dish a wonderful depth of flavor, while the fresh spring onions add a touch of crunch. Best served as a side dish with warm parathas or phulkas, Matar Aur Chilke Ka Sabzi is an innovative, flavorful addition to any meal.

Cuisine: Indian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients:

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   • Start by washing the green pea pods thoroughly. Remove the peas from the pods and set them aside in a bowl.
   • Take half of the pea pods and set aside the other half for discarding. Break off the tips and bottoms of the pods, and remove the long, fibrous membrane from each pod.
   • Chop the pea pods into bite-sized pieces.
   • Slice the white part of the spring onions lengthwise and cut the green part into 1-2 inch pieces.

2. Cooking the Sabzi:

   • Heat oil in a kadai or pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the Panch Phoron masala (a blend of five spices) and let it splutter for a few seconds.
   • Add the chopped white part of the spring onions and sauté for a minute or two until fragrant.
   • Now, add the chopped pea pods, the green spring onion pieces, and half of the peas into the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

3. Adding Spices:

   • Sprinkle turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt to taste. Add the chopped green chilies for an extra burst of flavor.
   • Mix everything together, ensuring the spices coat the vegetables evenly.

4. Cooking:

   • Cover the pan and cook on low-medium heat for about 7-10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

5. Final Touches:

   • Once the peas and pods are cooked through, remove the pan from heat.

6. Serving:

   • Serve Matar Aur Chilke Ka Sabzi hot as a flavorful side dish with paratha or phulkas. Enjoy the wonderful combination of spiced peas and crunchy pea pods.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):

Tips:

• Be sure to remove the tough fibrous vein from the pea pods, as it can make the dish unpleasantly chewy.
• Adjust the level of spice by adding more or less green chilies according to your preference.
• If you prefer a more savory dish, you can add a pinch of garam masala at the end of cooking.

This vibrant and healthy stir fry is an excellent way to incorporate more plant-based ingredients into your meals, while making use of parts of vegetables that are often discarded. The unique combination of pea pods and spices will make this dish a standout side at your table.