Wanna know some interesting things about these green pearls that are packed with high-protein and many other benefits and recipes for winters. Peas (Matar) vegetable Recipes | Indian Green Peas benefits and Recipe🫛.

Since ancient times, peas have played a significant role in food preparation and cooking. They are healthful, wholesome, and adaptable. Green peas, snow peas, and black-eyed peas are common varieties. However, green peas are widely consumed in Indian Cuisine because it will easily incorporate with Indian curries and vegetables.

Peas benefits and recipe include a high protein content, are an excellent blood sugar balancer, and may be helpful for gastrointestinal and heart health.

What is the scientific name of peas?

Peas are the small, spherical seeds of the Pisum sativum plant, sometimes referred to as garden peas or green peas. Peas are a member of the legume family, which also includes peanuts, beans, and lentils, despite being typically considered a vegetable.

Are Peas winter season vegetable?

Peas are planted as a winter crop on the plains from mid-October to mid-November. It is planted as an autumn crop in the hills around May. Sowing takes place from October to March in temperate climates.

7 Matar/ Peas benefits and recipe include:

1. Good source of plant-based protein
2. May improve blood sugar management
3. May support digestive health
4. May support heart health
5. May be cancer protective
6. May Protect Eye Health
7. Can be beneficial in Type-2 Diabetes

7 Common Peas Benefits and Recipes in India

1.    Peas Masala Recipe:

• Ingredients: 1 cup peas, 1 large onion (chopped), 2 tomatoes (pureed), 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp coriander powder, 1/2 tsp garam masala, salt to taste, fresh cilantro.

• Method:
  1. Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, and let them splutter.
  2. Add onions and sauté until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Add tomato puree and spices. Cook until oil separates.
  4. Add peas, mix well, and add 1/2 cup water. Cover and cook until peas are tender.
  5. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with chapati or rice.

2. Peas Rice Pulao Recipe

• Ingredients: 1 cup basmati rice, 1/2 cup peas, 1 onion (sliced), 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 2-3 cloves, 1-inch cinnamon, salt to taste, 1.5 cups water.

Method:

1. 1. Rinse rice and soak for 15 minutes.
   2. Heat oil in a pan, add bay leaf, cumin, cloves, and cinnamon.
   3. Add onions and sauté until golden. Add peas and sauté for 2 minutes.
   4. Add drained rice, salt, and water. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer until rice is cooked.
   5. Fluff the pulao and serve hot with raita.

3. Roasted Peas Recipe: An Healthy Indian Snack

• Ingredients: 1 cup fresh or frozen peas, 1/2 tsp olive oil, salt to taste, 1/2 tsp paprika or black pepper.
• Method:
  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Toss peas with olive oil, salt, and spices.
  3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 10-15 minutes or until crispy.
  4. Serve as a healthy snack or topping for salads.

4.    Potato and Peas Curry

• Ingredients: 2 potatoes (cubed), 1/2 cup peas, 1 onion (chopped), 1 tomato (chopped), 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp coriander powder, salt to taste, cilantro for garnish.
• Method:
  1. Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds and let them crackle.
  2. Add onions and sauté until golden. Add tomatoes and spices, cook until soft.
  3. Add potatoes and peas, mix well. Add 1 cup water, cover, and cook until potatoes are tender.
  4. Garnish with cilantro and serve with chapati.

5.    Creamy Methi and Peas Recipe

• Ingredients: 1 cup peas, 1 cup fresh methi (fenugreek leaves), 1/2 cup yogurt or cashew cream, 1 onion (chopped), 1 tsp cumin seeds, salt to taste.
• Method:
  1. Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, and let them crackle.
  2. Add onions and sauté until translucent. Add methi leaves and cook until soft.
  3. Add peas and cook for a few minutes. Stir in yogurt or cashew cream, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  4. Serve hot with rice or chapati.

6.   Peas Paratha Recipe

• Ingredients: 1 cup whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup peas (boiled and mashed), 1 green chili (chopped), salt, cilantro, and ghee for cooking.
• Method:
  1. Mix peas, chili, cilantro, and salt into a filling.
  2. Roll out small balls of dough, place the filling in the center, and roll into parathas.
  3. Cook on a hot griddle with ghee until golden.
  4. Serve with yogurt or pickles.

7.   Peas Peas (Matar)and Paneer Curry

• Ingredients: 1 cup peas, 200g paneer (cubed), 1 onion (chopped), 1 tomato (pureed), 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp coriander powder, salt to taste, fresh cream (optional).
• Method:
  1. Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
  2. Add onions and sauté until golden, then add tomato puree and spices.
  3. Add peas and paneer, mix well, and cook until peas are tender.
  4. Stir in a spoon of fresh cream (optional) and garnish with cilantro.
  5. Serve hot with naan or rice.

All the above mentioned recipes are the most common recipes of peas in India, you can have fresh peas from November to March. In this blog you will find all the peas benefits and recipe that are popular in India as peas are incredible nutritional profile and versatility, truly earn their spot in the Indian kitchen, especially during the winter season.

From balancing blood sugar levels to supporting heart health, peas pack a protein-rich punch alongside an array of health benefits. Their subtle, sweet flavor makes them an easy addition to numerous recipes, from masalas to parathas and curries.

At NFCI Culinary Institute, we celebrate the art of traditional Indian cooking and the nutritional benefits of seasonal ingredients like peas. Enroll in our Culinary Courses to explore the science behind flavors, learn diverse recipes, and elevate your cooking skills by creating wholesome dishes that nourish and satisfy.