Nimona Recipe For The Winter Season

The best part of the winter season is the sheer variety of vegetables that you can find in the market. From leafy greens to peas to carrots – the veggie season with nutrition and lots of delicious dishes is right here. And one of those vegetables that we look forward to eating the entire year is green pea! Matar is that versatile ingredient which can be used to make different curries, snacks and breads. It is an amazing vegetable to work with in the kitchen and then enjoy on the dining table.

One of the most special winter recipes is nimona. It is comforting, warm and satisfying to the soul. This is one gravy dish that requires nothing else but a hot steaming bowl of rice. This simple dish is made in the houses of Uttar Pradesh during the winters. Let us look at a recipe for nimona.

Ingredients

• 1 tsp coriander seeds
• 2-3 green chillies 
• 7-8 garlic cloves
• 1 inch ginger
• 2 tbsp mustard oil
• 2-3 medium potatoes, fried
• 400 grams green peas, blanched
• A pinch of hing
• ½ tsp amchur powder 
• 1-2 dry red chillies 
• 1 tsp cumin seeds 
• ¼ tsp turmeric powder 
• 1 tsp garam masala 
• Salt to taste
• 2 cup water

Method

• Add fresh coriander seeds, green chillies, garlic and ginger to a blender along with some water and blend to a smooth paste. Set the paste aside.
• Divide the green peas in 2 portions, blend ¾ of the green peas to a coarse paste without adding any water. 
• Heat 1 tbsp of mustard oil in a pan and add the coarsely blended green peas and roast on medium flame for 4-5 minutes while stirring continuously. 
• Once the peas paste is roasted, remove and set aside. 
• Heat 1 tbsp mustard oil add asafoetida, amchur powder, red chillies, cumin seeds and fresh coriander seeds paste. 
• Roast well till fragrant. 
• Add the green peas, sauté for 2-3 minutes. 
• Add water and mix well. 
• Add turmeric powder, salt and garam masala and sautee.
• Add the roasted green peas mixture. 
• Add fried potatoes and mix well. Cook for 3-4 minutes. 
• Add water, cover and cook till the water comes to a boil on high flame. 

The nimona is ready. Serve with steamed rice and enjoy one of the most delicious winter meals ever.