Spicy Matar Masala Recipe
Description:
Spicy Matar Masala is a delicious and simple Indian dish that can be whipped up in no time, making it the perfect meal when you’re looking for something quick, tasty, and satisfying. This dish uses frozen green peas (matar), making it a great option when fresh vegetables are in short supply. The peas are cooked in a flavorful onion and tomato-based gravy, which is spiced with aromatic masalas, creating a comforting and aromatic dish that’s best served with roti and dal.
Cuisine:
Indian
Course:
Dinner
Diet:
Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green peas (Matar), boiled | 1 cup |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 3 to 4 leaves |
| Green Chillies, finely chopped | 2 |
| Bay leaf (Tej Patta), broken | 1 (broken into two pieces) |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 to 3 cloves |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 2 pods |
| Ginger Garlic Paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 onion |
| Onion, paste | 1/2 cup |
| Homemade tomato puree | 3/4 cup |
| Red Chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1-1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | As required |
Preparation Time:
30 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Instructions:
-
Heat Oil and Temper Spices
Start by heating some oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Allow them to splutter, which will release their aromatic flavors. -
Add Aromatics
Next, add the curry leaves, bay leaf, cloves, and cardamom pods. Sauté these for about a minute, letting their flavors infuse the oil. -
Cook Green Chillies and Ginger Garlic Paste
Add the finely chopped green chilies followed by the ginger garlic paste. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute, stirring continuously to avoid burning the paste. -
Sauté Onions
Add the chopped onions to the pan. Sauté them until they soften and become translucent. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base for the curry. -
Add Onion Paste
Once the onions have softened, add the onion paste to the pan. Cook it for another 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the paste blends with the onions and the oil starts to separate. -
Cook Tomato Puree and Add Spices
Now, add the homemade tomato puree to the pan. Stir in the red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Let this mixture cook for about 5 to 8 minutes, or until the oil begins to separate from the gravy. -
Add Green Peas and Simmer
Add the boiled green peas (matar) to the pan and mix well. Allow the peas to cook for another 2 minutes so they absorb the flavors of the gravy. -
Adjust Seasoning
Taste the gravy and adjust the salt and spice levels according to your preference. Once you’re satisfied with the taste, turn off the flame. -
Serve
Serve your Spicy Matar Masala hot with roti, dal, or any other bread of your choice.
Notes:
- For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of cream or a dollop of yogurt at the end of cooking.
- Adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the number of green chilies and red chili powder.
- This dish can be served with steamed rice for a complete meal.
Enjoy this spicy and hearty dish as a delightful addition to your dinner table!
