Winters are utmost special in North India because of the seasonal revamp of the farmer’s market. From red carrots and fresh radishes to peas and leafy greens, the makeshift stalls of vendors appear colourful and luring.
You can purchase peas throughout the year from supermarkets, but the frozen ones aren’t as good as the fresh ones you get in winter. They boast a subtle sweet flavour that amplifies the notes of any dish. This year, try these matar recipes without fail.
Matar Pulao
There is nothing more comforting than savouring matar pulao in winter. Made with fresh peas, it is a lightweight dish that you can relish at any time of the day. You can add flavours to rice using a bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and 2-3 cloves. You can also saute onions with the whole spices before adding rice, peas, and water. This dish can be prepared in less than 15 minutes and does not require hefty preparations.
Matar Nimona
Matar nimona is a delicious pea curry recipe that goes exceptionally well with rice and flatbread. It is popular in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Peas are boiled and crushed before cooking in the blend of mustard oil, spices, and garlic. Some people add potatoes also to increase the volume and make the dish taste delicious. A tablespoon of coriander leaves and lemon juice as garnishing will only make it lip-smacking.
Matar Paratha
Winter season without matar paratha is like mornings without tea or coffee. Spiced fillings made with peas and stuffed in a paratha make this dish comforting and fulfilling. To make the filling, you have to roast peas with spices of your choice until they are mushy. You can mash them and easily stuff the dough. If you want to make it more flavourful, roast the paratha in butter or ghee.
Ghughni
Ghughni is a pea-based dry snack. It is usually prepared with white peas, but in winter, you must try the recipe with green peas. Chopper onions and tomatoes are cooked in oil, cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and garam masala. Once tomatoes are slightly mushy, peas are added, and the ingredients are cooked on a low flame until peas are soft and can be mashed with your fingers. You can enjoy this dish for breakfast or as an evening snack.
Matar Kachori
Like matar paratha, matar kachori is also a winter delight that you cannot savour in any other season. It is a deep-fried dish but you can also make it in an air fryer. Much like matar paratha, you have to prepare the stuffing for kachori using spices and peas. You can even add minced garlic if you like its flavour but add a small amount so that it does not overpower other ingredients.
Methi Malai Matar
Winter is the season when you get high-quality fenugreek leaves and fresh green peas in the farmer’s market. Therefore, it is the season when you will also witness many restaurants adding this appetising gravy to the menu. You can make it using a cashew base if you want to avoid onions and garlic. Enjoy its rich taste with naan, paratha, roti, or steamed rice.
Hara Bhara Kebab
For vegans and vegetarians, one of the most nutritious recipes for kebabs is hara bhara kebab. In winter, you can amplify its nutrition quotient by preparing the blend using seasonal leafy greens and fresh peas. The dish can be prepared in a jiffy, and you can avoid using oil if you bake the kebabs or cook them in an air fryer. They go well with tea or coffee when served with creamy dips.