Matar Ki Tehri Recipe – Fragrant Rice Cooked with Spices and Fresh Peas
Matar Ki Tehri is a flavorful and aromatic one-pot dish that hails from the Awadhi cuisine of North India. It combines fragrant basmati rice with fresh green peas, along with a medley of warm whole spices, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. This vegetarian dish is perfect for a comforting family meal and pairs well with raitas like Lauki Raita or Beetroot Raita. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Basmati rice | 1 cup |
| Cloves (Laung) | 4-5 |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 1 tablespoon |
| Black cardamom (Badi Elaichi) | 2 |
| Dry Red Chilli | 1 |
| Ghee | 3 tablespoons |
| Onions (sliced) | 1/4 cup |
| Tomatoes (sliced) | 1/4 cup |
| Ginger (finely grated) | 1/4 inch |
| Green peas (Matar) | 1 cup |
| Coriander (Dhania) leaves (chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Bay leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Sugars | 3 g |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 4
Instructions
-
Soak the Rice and Peas
Begin by washing and soaking the basmati rice in enough water for 1 hour before cooking. Once the rice is soaked, drain the water and set it aside. Soak the green peas in a cup of water to help them cook faster and retain a ‘plump’ appearance. -
-
Prepare the Spices
Heat the ghee in a pressure cooker over a low flame. Once the ghee is warm, add the whole spices (cloves, cinnamon stick, black peppercorns, black cardamom, dry red chilli) and sauté for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to release into the ghee. -
Sauté the Vegetables
After sautéing the spices, add the sliced onions and grated ginger. Continue to sauté over a low flame for 2-3 minutes until the onions turn a light golden brown. Add the sliced tomatoes and green peas, and sauté for another 2 minutes, mixing everything well. -
Combine the Ingredients
Next, add the finely chopped coriander leaves and the bay leaf. Stir in the soaked basmati rice, making sure all the grains are coated with the ghee and spices. Season with salt according to your taste and mix everything well. -
Cook the Tehri
Add enough water to the rice mixture and increase the heat to high. Cover the pressure cooker and allow it to cook until it releases 1 whistle. Once the first whistle is heard, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. -
Rest and Serve
Turn off the stove and allow the pressure cooker to release steam naturally. Once the pressure has been released, open the lid carefully to reveal the perfectly cooked, fragrant Matar Ki Tehri. Serve hot, either on its own or with a side of Lauki Raita, Beetroot Raita, or any raita of your choice.
Serving Suggestions
Matar Ki Tehri is a versatile one-pot dish that pairs beautifully with various raitas. The refreshing taste of cucumber raita, the earthiness of beetroot raita, or even the cooling properties of mint yogurt can be the perfect accompaniments to this rice dish. You can also serve it with a simple salad or enjoy it as a wholesome meal on its own.
Tips for a Perfect Matar Ki Tehri
-
Rice Soaking: Soaking the basmati rice for an hour helps the grains become longer and fluffier once cooked, adding to the aesthetic and texture of the dish.
-
Ghee for Authentic Flavor: Ghee imparts a rich flavor to the tehri, enhancing the taste of the spices. However, if you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute ghee with oil, though it may slightly affect the overall taste.
-
Spice Level: If you like a little extra heat, feel free to add more whole dry red chillies or a pinch of ground black pepper.
-
Pressure Cooking Time: Cooking until the first whistle and then simmering for 3-4 minutes ensures the rice is perfectly cooked and not mushy. It is important to let the cooker release pressure naturally to allow the rice to steam thoroughly.
-
Vegetable Variations: You can enhance the nutritional value of Matar Ki Tehri by adding other vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or beans along with the peas.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Matar Ki Tehri is not just a quick and easy one-pot meal, but it’s also packed with flavors that remind you of the traditional Awadhi kitchens. The simplicity of this dish, combined with the subtle spices and fresh peas, makes it a comfort food that is both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you are preparing it for a family dinner or a festive meal, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
Enjoy the warm, comforting aromas of Matar Ki Tehri and savor each bite of this delightful combination of rice and peas!
