MATAR DO PAYAJA

Ingredients:

• Peas (Matar) shelled – 1.5 cup
• Onions – 4 small.
• Tomato – 1 big.
• Green chili – 1.
• Ginger – 1”grated or finally chopped.
• Salt – 1 tsp.
• Coriander powder – 1tsp.
• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp.
• Cumin seeds – ½ tsp.
• Oil – 1 tbsp.
• Garnish – coriander leaves, chopped – 1 sprig.

Method:

Wash peas. Cut the onion into 4 pieces. Cut tomato into 8 pieces. Cut green chilly into 4 pieces. Heat the oil in pressure cooker and add cumin seeds, turmeric powder and coriander powder. Fry lightly and add the peas, onions, green chilly, ginger, tomato and salt. Cover the pressure cooker and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and open immediately. Serve hot garnished with chopped coriander leaves.

TIPS: In place of fresh peas, dried, dehydrated or frozen peas can be used.

Dried Peas : 15 gm Peas to be soaked over night. Pressure cook them in ¾ Cup water for 15 minutes and proceeds as for fresh peas.

Dehydrated Peas: Soak 15 gm Peas in ¾ Cup warm water for 15 minutes and drain. Reserve the water. Bring this water to a boil and add the soaked peas. Simmer for about 15 minutes till tender. Proceed as for fresh peas.

Frozen Peas : Use the same quantity as fresh peas but it needs less time to cook.

Alu Do Payaza :Alu do payaza is made by the same method. Use potato instead of peas in the above recipe. 4 medium sized potatoes cut into thick cubes.