| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 283 | 6.2g | 0.9g | 28g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 9g | 6.8g | 10g | 0.2g |
From the rugged landscape of Colorado, often abounding with game meat and hearty mountain fare, I bring you a detour into the world of vibrant, veggie-focused meals—an all-time favorite of mine, the Green Pea Masala (Spiced Pea Curry). This sumptuous recipe is an homage to the stunning complexity of Indian cuisine, brimming with bold flavors, and the kind of depth that only a combination of carefully selected spices can offer. Not only a delight to the senses, but this spiced pea curry is also packed with nutritional goodness, making every bite not only delectable but beneficial for your health too.
A Harmony of Flavors and Health Benefits
The secret of this wonderful dish lies in the perfect balance between taste and health benefits. A single serving of this hearty Green Pea Masala brings together the sweetness of green peas with the piquant notes of red chilli and garam masala. The flavorful base of pureed tomatoes, sautéed onion, and green chillies ties everything together, creating an extraordinary gastronomic experience. The hint of cumin and coriander powder lends a delicious earthiness, a flavor profile immensely loved in traditional Indian Cuisine.
Green peas have been scientifically proven to be a powerhouse of nutrients. They are a great source of vitamins K, C, A, and B1, along with dietary fiber, manganese, and protein. Consuming green peas has been linked with several health benefits, including improved digestion and heart health, thanks to their high fiber content. Added to that, they are a low-calorie option that can help in maintaining a healthy weight.
Green Pea Masala: A Versatile Player in Your Culinary Repertoire
The beauty of the Green Pea Masala lies not just in its robust flavors, but also in its versatility. This lush green and fragrant curry can hold its own as a main course, especially when paired with some freshly baked Naan bread or a serving of fluffy Basmati rice. It’s a perfect centerpiece for a vegetarian dinner, but don’t think that this humble pea curry won’t play nice with your favorite meat dish. A hearty roasted lamb or spiced chicken works wonders pairing with this curry, introducing more diversity into the meal.
Whether cooking for an intimate dinner with my partner, Gordon, or a lively gathering of friends, this veggie-forward Green Pea Masala never fails to impress. Each scoop of this curry transports you to a different world of flavors, and I hope it brings the same joy and gastronomical delight to your kitchen as it does in mine.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups Green Peas, fresh or frozen
- 2 Large Onions, finely chopped
- 3 Large Tomatoes, pureed
- 2 Green Chilies, finely chopped
- 1.5 inch Ginger Piece, grated
- 4 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1.5 teaspoons Cumin Seeds
- 2 teaspoons Coriander Powder
- 1.5 teaspoons Turmeric Powder
- 2.5 teaspoons Garam Masala
- 1 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons Cooking Oil
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro Leaves, finely chopped (for garnish)
- 1 cup Water
Method
Step One
Start by heating the oil in a large pan on medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds. Add a bay leaf and stir for few more seconds.
Step Two
Add the finely chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they turn golden brown. This may take about 7-8 minutes. After this, add the chopped green chillies, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Sauté for another 2 minutes.
Step Three
Once the mixture is sautéed well, add the pureed tomatoes. Cook this until the oil separates from the mixture. You will see the oil floating on the top, it may take around 10-12 minutes on medium heat.
Step Four
Add in the spices – coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and red chilli powder. Mix well and cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the raw smell of the spices is gone.
Step Five
Add the fresh or frozen peas to the mixture. Stir well so the peas are coated with the masala. Add salt to taste.
Step Six
Now, add a cup of water to the pan. Cover the pan and let it simmer for around 20-25 minutes on medium heat. Make sure to stir it occasionally. If the peas are not cooked after 20 minutes, let it simmer for some more time. The time can vary depending on the peas.
Step Seven
After the peas are cooked, check the seasonings. Adjust the salt and spice level if needed. Garnish the dish with chopped fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot.
Note:
This Green Pea Masala can be served with roti, naan or any bread of your choice. It also goes well with rice.
