MATAR NIMONA
( GREEN PEAS CURRY IN U.P. style)

Uttar Pradesh (U.P.),a state in Northern India is referred as most populous state of India. Tah Mahal, one of the seven wonders is located in this state. The cuisine of UP has a large variety of dishes which consists both vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes. UP is a large state so it’s cuisine share a lots of recipes from neighbouring states too.
UP’s staple meal is roti, sabji , dal, pickle etc. & It’s popular. Breakfast is kachori sabji. Some other famous foods are aloo paratha, litti bn chokha, kebabs, chats etc.
Matar ka nimona is popular house hold recipe of UP. It is usually prepared in winters as that time fresh harvested peas are available in the market. Nimona can also be prepared with fresh green grams too. Nimona can be prepared with or without onion garlic.

Preparation time : 10 minutes
Cooking time : 20 minuted
Serves : 4 persons

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh green peas
1 onion
6-8 garlic cloves
1″ piece of ginger
1 medium potato ( peel & diced )
1 medium tomato ( finely chopped )
1/4 cup finely chopped coriander
2 tbsp oil
1/2 tsp cumin seeds

1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp red chilli powder
1/2 tsp coriander powder
Pinch of asafoetida
1/2 tsp garam masala

Salt to taste

Method:
1. Roughly chop onion,garlic,green chillies & ginger & grind it into a coarse paste.
Also grind peas into the coarse paste without adding water.

2. Heat oil, saute potatoes till they are golden. Remove it on the kitchen paper lined plate.

3. Now in the same pan & oil add bay leaf, cloves and cumin seeds, once they splutter, add onion paste and saute till it leaves oil.

4. Add tomatoes & saute till it becomes mushy.

5. Add spices , mix well and cook for few seconds.

6. Now, it’s time to add peas, coarse paste , mix well and saute for couple of minutes. Add coriander, save some for garnish.

7. Add 2 cups of water and salt to taste, once it starts boiling, turn the flame on slow, cover the pan and and let it cook. It will take about 10mins to cook peas. Stir once or twice in between,if needed, add water.

8. When peas are cooked, the oil will start floating on the top,now add potatoes and garam masala, then turn off the flame and garnish with coriander.

9. Serve hot with chapati or rice.

Notes:
1. In UP, they use mustard oil.
2. Boiled potatoes can be used instead of fried.
3. You can add less or more water as per your choice. If you want to have it with rice, then add more water.