Matar/ Peas ka Nimona from Uttar Pradesh

Contributed by Swati Mishra Tiwari

This widely prepared traditional Uttar Pradesh style Matar Ka Nimona is made using peas and just a few spices. This is a soupy curry that goes well with rice or paratha. Best made with fresh peas available during the winter.

Ingredients

1. Peas/ green chana 2 cups
2. Potato 1
3. Large Onion 1
4. Ginger 1 inch
5. Cloves of Garlic 6-8
6. Tomatoes 3
7. Chilli Powder I tsp
8. Coriander Powder 2 tbsp
9. Turmeric powder 1 tsp
10. Garam masala 1 tsp
11. Jeera 1/2 spoon
12. Hing a pinch
13. Salt to taste

Procedure

1. Make a coarse paste of the green peas/ green channa
2. Cut the potato in 1 inch sized cubes and bake for 15-20 mins with a sprinkle of salt (traditionally potatoes are deep fried in mustard oil).
3. Make a paste of the large Onion, ginger and garlic.
4. Now, fry the pea paste in three tbsp mustard oil till it leaves sides and emits a wonderful aroma and keep aside.
5. Add 2 tbsp oil in the cooker. Add jeera and let it turn brown.
6. Add ginger garlic onion paste till pink and leaves sides. Add tomatoes. Add all masalas. Fry for a further 2-3 minutes.
7. Add the pea paste and potatoes. Add 3 cups of water and cook for 5-7 minutes.

The Matar ka Nimona is now ready to be served with Rice or Roti.