A Homestyle Journey: The Authentic Recipe of Matar Nimona

Do you miss the comforting aromas and delicious flavors of a homestyle meal from your childhood? If so, you're not alone! Today, I am happy to share a recipe that brings back many memories for me - Matar Nimona. This is a cherished family recipe that has been lovingly passed down through generations and undoubtedly, it's now one of my go-to comfort foods.

The Recipe Behind Matar Nimona

Let's dive into the ingredients needed for this delightful dish:

2 cups of green peas 2 medium-sized boiled potatoes 1 medium-sized tomato 1 medium-sized onion 3 tablespoons of mustard oil 1 green chilli 1 and a half inch ginger A bunch of fresh green coriander (hara dhania) 7-8 garlic cloves 1/4th teaspoon of asafoetida (hing powder) 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds (jeera) 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric (haldi powder) 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds (dhania powder) 1/2 teaspoon of Kashmiri red chilli powder 2-3 bay leaves Garam masala mix (roasted and powdered black peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and mace) Salt to taste

Now, let's follow the cooking method step-by-step:

Cooking Method:

Begin by putting roughly chopped garlic, ginger, and green chilli into a small grinder or blender. Add a small amount of water and grind into a smooth paste. Next, grind the roughly chopped tomato to make a fresh tomato puree. A third step is to grind the onion chunks into a smooth paste in the grinder. Fourthly, grind the fresh green peas coarsely. Now, take a heated pan or kadhai, add mustard oil and fry the slices of boiled potatoes until they are golden and crispy, then remove. In the same pan, add mustard oil, cumin seeds, a pinch of asafoetida, and let them sizzle for 10 seconds until they turn golden brown. Add bay leaves to the mix. Once the spices have cooked, add the onion paste and fry until it turns golden. Then add the garlic and ginger green chilli paste and continue to fry until well-cooked. Add the ground green peas to the pan and mix well. Cook for a few minutes until it starts to soften. Finally, combine the heavenly blend and add in the garam masala, turmeric, and the rest of the spices mentioned, along with salt to taste. Mix everything thoroughly.

Conclusion

Matar Nimona is not just a dish, but a taste of home. It's a delightful blend of simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together to create a comforting meal. Every family has a special dish that reminds them of their roots and this one certainly has a place in my heart.

Feel free to try this recipe and share your own versions or memories in the comments below. It would be a great way to connect with family, and maybe even start some new traditions of your own.