Masale Wale Matar (Spiced Peas in an all in one Avatar)

This Green Pea delicious item is one of the most favoured in the city of Lucknow.In the Winter season when fresh and sweet bushels of Green Peas flood the markets,they are bought by the Kilo and the ladies of the house sit down in the afternoon after having lunch and after having finished their daily chores.They then gossip about news of their friends,relatives and the whole world as they shell the Peas,eating the sweet and green pearls at the same time.By evening they would be having a huge pan of fresh peas just waiting to be cooked to a tender deliciousness in the multiple recipes they make!

These lovely spiced peas can be had any time of the day!They can :

be had as a breakfast on a cold winter or rainy day so as to pack tons of protein into our body!
had with soft and hot rotis for a filling lunch and a complete meal!
had with some nylon sev sprinkled on top and drizzled with delicious and tangy Tamarind sauce to have with the much needed cup of 4 O Clock tea!

So with a plethora of choices to make this recipe is a winner.I personally think that from the early 1900’s till in the late 90’s this recipe must have warmed many a heart,bought people closer and cheered up many a sad and hungry soul!After that stage came the plethora of fast foods – Pizza,Burger,Frankies,Wraps,Rolls and these traditional recipes disappeared with a vengeance!My aim is not to accuse the trending fast foods of almost making these recipe gems obsolete but it is a sincere request to those reading to sustain the tradition and have these traditional delights apart from the regular “fast food”!Let us eat a little “slower” sometimes,share the food with loved ones,rekindle the past which our ancestors enjoyed and share this wonderful culture with the future generations so that our ancestors and their life would be never forgotten!

This is the recipe given to my Grandmother in 1958 by Mrs Sharda Srivastava who was her neighbour in Lucknow!This recipe will complete the Golden Jubilee in our family in 2 years!May Mrs Srivastava’s (lovingly called Mami by everyone) soul Rest In Peace!

Preparation Time : 15 minutes

Makes : 4 – 5 servings

INGREDIENTS

2 cups fresh/frozen green peas

2 tbsp pure ghee

1 tbsp Oil

1 1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp Asafoetida (Heeng)

1 tsp red chilli powder

2 tsp Coriander Powder (dhaniya)

1 tsp Garam Masala powder

1 tsp Amchur (dry Mango powder)

2 tsp Cumin seeds (jeera)

1 large Green Chilli – minced/1 tsp Green Chilli paste

2 tsp chopped Ginger/1 tsp Ginger paste

1 tbsp Coriander leaves – finely chopped

METHOD

Heat ghee and oil in a pan on medium heat and add the cumin seeds.When they start turning brown,add the asafoetida and stir well.Add the minced green chilli and ginger (or the pastes if using) and fry for 1 minute till the rawness disappears.Now add the peas and salt and mix well to amalgamate.Turn the heat to lowest and let the peas cook for approximately 7 – 10 minutes till cooked.

Now add the masala – red chilli powder,coriander powder,garam masala,half the coriander leaves and Amchur and mix again.Cover and cook for 3 – 4 minutes till the masala is nicely mixed with the peas.Let it cool for sometime and garnish with the rest of the Coriander leaves.

Serve warm as and when you like!