Matar, or green peas, is a versatile and nutritious vegetable widely enjoyed in various cuisines worldwide. In India, matar is a popular ingredient in winter dishes due to its seasonal availability and ability to provide warmth and comfort during the colder months. In this article, we will explore some special matar recipes perfect for winter, their nutritional benefits, and cooking techniques.
Nutritional Benefits of Matar:
Before we delve into the delicious recipes, let’s first understand the nutritional benefits of matar. Green peas are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for overall health. They are high in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps in maintaining a healthy weight. Matar is also a good source of protein, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans
In addition, green peas are packed with vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin A, which are important for boosting immunity, promoting healthy skin, and supporting vision health. They also contain minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium, which are essential for various bodily functions.
Overall, incorporating matar into your winter diet can provide a wide range of health benefits and contribute to a balanced and nutritious meal plan.
Special Matar Recipes for
Winter:
Now, let’s explore some delicious and warming matar recipes that are perfect for the winter season:
1. Matar Paneer: Matar paneer is a classic Indian dish that combines green peas with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) in a rich and creamy tomato-based gravy. This dish is a favorite among vegetarians and is often served with rice or roti. To make matar paneer, sauté onions, ginger, and garlic in oil until fragrant, then add tomatoes, spices, and green peas. Cook until the peas are tender, then add paneer and cream for a luxurious finish.
2. Matar Pulao: Matar pulao is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish that is studded with green peas and aromatic spices. To make matar pulao, sauté onions, whole spices, and green peas in ghee until the peas are tender. Add soaked rice, water, and salt, then cook until the rice is fluffy and aromatic. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with raita or a side of curry.
3. Matar Ka Nimona: Matar ka nimona is a traditional North Indian dish that features green peas cooked in a spicy and tangy gravy. To make matar ka nimona, grind green peas with ginger, garlic, and green chilies to make a coarse paste. Sauté onions, cumin seeds, and spices in oil, then add the pea paste and cook until the mixture thickens. Serve hot with rice or roti for a comforting meal.
4. Aloo Matar: Aloo Matar is a simple and satisfying dish that combines green peas with potatoes in a spiced tomato gravy. To make aloo matar, sauté onions, tomatoes, and spices in oil until the mixture is fragrant. Add diced potatoes and green peas, then cook until the vegetables are tender. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with roti or naan.
5. Matar Soup: Matar soup is a nutritious and comforting dish that is perfect for warming up on a chilly winter day. To make matar soup, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in oil until fragrant, then add green peas, vegetable broth, and spices. Cook until the peas are tender, then blend the mixture until smooth. Serve hot with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, matar is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes during the winter season. From classic recipes like matar paneer and aloo matar to innovative dishes like matar ka Simona and matar soup, there are plenty of options to explore and enjoy. By incorporating matar into your winter diet, you can reap the health benefits of this nutrient-rich vegetable while indulging in delicious and warming meals. So, why not try one of these special matar recipes for winter and elevate your culinary experience this season?
Nutritional Benefits of Peas
1. Peas Paneer
Pea Paneer is a classic Indian dish prepared by combining peas and paneer in a thick tomato-based gravy.
This dish is especially popular among vegetarians and is served with rice or roti.
**Ingredients:**
– Fresh peas: 1 cup
– Paneer: 200 grams (cut into cubes)
– Tomatoes: 2 (make a puree)
– Onion: 1 (finely chopped)
– Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tablespoon
– Garam masala, turmeric, red chili powder, salt to taste
– Cream: 2 tablespoons
– Oil or ghee: 2 tablespoons
**Method:**
Heat oil in a pan add onion and ginger-garlic paste and fry till golden brown. Then add tomato puree
and spices and fry. When the oil starts separating, add peas and cook for 5 minutes. Then add paneer and
cream and cook on low flame for 2-3 minutes. Hot matar paneer is ready.
2. Matar Pulao
Matar Pulao is a fragrant and delicious rice dish, which is a mixture of peas and spices. This dish is light and served with raita or curry.
**Ingredients:**
– Basmati rice: 1 cup (soaked)
– Peas: 1/2 cup
– Onion: 1 (thinly sliced)
– Cumin seeds, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaf
– Salt to taste
– Ghee: 2 tbsp
– Water: 2 cups
**Method:**
Then add onion and fry till golden. Add peas and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add rice and water and let it cook on
low flame. When the rice swells, garnish it with fresh coriander and serve hot.
3. Matar ka Nimona
This is a traditional North Indian dish that uses peas, ginger, garlic, and green chilies to make a paste.
**Ingredients:**
– Peas: 1 cup (coarsely ground)
– Ginger, garlic, green chilies: ground
– Cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric
– Onion: 1 (chopped)
– Oil: 2 tbsp
**Method:**
Heat oil and fry cumin seeds and onion. Add ground peas and ginger-garlic paste and cook for 10 minutes. Add water and cook till it thickens. It is served with rice or roti
4. Aloo Matar
Aloo Matar is a simple but delicious dish that consists of potatoes and peas cooked in a spicy tomato gravy.
**Ingredients:**
– Potatoes: 2 (cut into cubes)
– Peas: 1 cup
– Tomatoes: 2 (make a puree)
– Onion: 1 (finely chopped)
– Ginger-garlic paste, spices, salt
– Oil: 2 tbsp
**Method:**
Fry the onion and ginger-garlic paste in oil. Add tomato puree and spices and mix well. Add potatoes and
peas and cook on low flame.
5. Pea Soup
Pea soup is a nutritious and comforting option in winter.
**Ingredients:**
– Peas: 1 cup
– Onion, ginger, garlic: finely chopped
– Vegetable broth: 2 cups
– Salt, pepper
– Yogurt and fresh herbs for garnishing
**Method:**
Fry the onion, ginger, and garlic in oil. Add peas and broth and cook until soft. Let the mixture cool and grind.
Then heat it and add salt and pepper. Garnish with yogurt and herbs and serve.
Conclusion
Peas are a great nutrient-rich option in winter. Through this, you can enjoy a variety of dishes while getting
health benefits. Whether it is the traditional matar paneer or a refreshing matar soup, peas add a special
taste and nutrition to your meals. This winter, try these special matar recipes and add a new dimension to your diet.