Matar ka Nimona is a unique curry from the state of Uttar Pradesh. I remember my mother making this during winter when the fresh green peas are in abundance. Peas is my favourite vegetable but over time I stopped making peas as a curry, and mostly use as filler vegetable in pulavs and mixed vegetables etc.

This year, I was reminded of this traditional curry and I made matar ka nimona again. It has become a favourite all over again.

Nutritional benefits of green peas

Peas are full of nutrition and are fairly low in calories.

Half cup of peas can give you about 4 grams of protein and are also rich in antioxidants.

Green peas is rich in fibre and aids in digestion.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh green peas shelled
• 1 medium potato cut into small pieces
• 1 onion chopped fine
• 2-3 tomatoes chopped fine
• Green chillies as per taste
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp ginger paste
• 1/2 tsp garlic paste
• 1 tbsp mustard oil
• Whole garam masala ( 2 cloves, 2 cardamom, 1 bayleaf, 1 piece cinnamon)
• 1 tsp haldi powder
• 1 tbsp coriander powder
• Fresh coriander
• Salt to taste

Recipe

• Make a paste of the shelled green peas coarsely. You can save a few whole peas.
• Make a paste of onion, ginger, garlic, green chillies, coriander leaves.
• Heat mustard oil in a kadhai. You may also use ghee, but traditionally mustard oil is used.
• Fry the potato pieces till they get browned.
• Add cumin seeds and allow to sputter. Now add the whole spices and cook. for a minute.
• Add chillies and onion masala paste and cook till masala is browned.
• Add chopped tomatoes.
• Add haldi and coriander powder and cook the masala till oil separates.
• Once the masala is cooked, add the peas paste and whole peas and cook.
• Add 1 cup of water and mix.
• Add salt. Cover and cook on low heat.
• After 5 minutes, add fried potatoes and mix well. Cook for another 5 minutes.
• Add garam masala and mix well.
• Garnish with coriander leaves.
• Serve Matar ka Nimona hot with chapatis or rice.

Tips for Matar ka nimona

• Matar ka nimona is best made with fresh peas during winter season. It will not taste the same with frozen peas.
• Do not make a smooth paste of peas while grinding. A little texture is needed in the gravy.
• Matar ka nimona tastes well with chapati, paratha and even puri. You can also serve it with jeera rice.