Traditional Delight

Matar Ka Nimona is a classic North Indian dish, especially popular in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Made with fresh green peas, aromatic spices, and fried potatoes, this comforting dish is best enjoyed with steamed rice. Its rich, earthy flavors and creamy texture make it a winter favorite, though it can be prepared year-round using frozen peas.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step preparation of Matar Ka Nimona!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• Fresh green peas – 2 cups (or frozen peas)
• Potatoes – 1 large (cut into thin chips)
• Onion – 1 medium (chopped)
• Tomato – 1 large (chopped)
• Garlic cloves – 4-5
• Whole black pepper – 8-10
• Cloves (Laung) – 4-5
• Oil – 1 tbsp (for frying and cooking)

Spices:

• Turmeric powder (Haldi) – ½ tsp
• Coriander powder (Dhaniya powder) – 1 tsp
• Salt – as per taste
• Red chili powder (Lal Mirch) – ½ tsp (optional)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Green Peas Mixture

1. If using fresh peas, peel them. If using frozen peas, thaw them before use.
2. Grind the peas into a coarse paste.

1. Heat a pan and dry-fry (or lightly sauté with a few drops of oil) the ground peas until they lose moisture and resemble dal. Set aside.

2. Preparing the Fried Potatoes

1. Cut potatoes into thin chips and fry them in oil until golden brown.
2. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Preparing the Masala

1. In a grinder, blend chopped onion, tomato, garlic, black pepper, and cloves into a smooth paste.
2. Heat 1 tsp of oil in a pan and add the ground masala mixture.
3. Sauté on medium flame until the mixture releases oil and turns aromatic.

4. Cooking the Nimona

1. Heat the oil: Take 1 teaspoon of oil in a pan and heat it.
2. Sauté the masala: Add the tomato-onion mixture to the pan and stir continuously. Cook until the mixture releases oil.

3. Add spices: Mix in the haldi (turmeric), dhaniya (coriander powder), namak (salt), and lal mirch (red chili powder, optional). Stir well to combine.

4. Incorporate the peas: Add the ground pea mixture and mix thoroughly.

Adjust consistency: Pour in some water and let it boil until the peas are fully cooked.

Add fried potatoes: Once the peas are cooked, add the fried potatoes and let the curry simmer for 3-4 minutes.

5. Serving

• Turn off the flame and let it rest for a minute.
• Serve hot with steamed rice or roti for a wholesome and flavorful meal.

Enjoy Your Matar Ka Nimona!

This traditional, nutritious, and comforting dish is perfect for chilly days. The combination of aromatic spices, creamy peas, and crispy potatoes makes it an absolute treat. Try it today and enjoy this flavorful delicacy with your loved ones! 😊