Makhana matar recipe is a delicious North Indian curry, a perfect blend of the roasted foxnuts (makhana) crunch coupled with the tenderness of the green peas (matar), all simmered in a nutritious, pungent gravy created of tomatoes, cashews, and some selected spices. Curry is a famous celebration/party dish, and it is famous due to its creamy consistency, distinctive taste, and health value of both makhana and peas. Makhana Matar may be accompanied by roti, naan, or rice; it will surely leave an impression on the guests and offer them a memorable homemade meal.
What is Makhana Matar Recipe?
Makhana matar recipe is a traditional Indian curry prepared using the assistance of North Indian lotus seeds (makhana) and green peas (matar). The makhana renders it somewhat nutty and light crunchy, the peas render it a little light sweetness, which is the equivalent of the spicy and tangy foundation of the curry.
It is among the best Punjabi foods, which is usually accompanied by roti, paratha, or hot steaming jeera rice. Given the fact that makhana is a high-calorie, antioxidant, and easily digestible food, this curry will be termed a healthy makhana matar dish.
Read More: Navratri Vrat Snacks And Meals
Why Try Matar Makhana Curry Punjabi Style?
The Punjabi makhana curry matar is one such special curry whose richness is achieved by using the creamy tomato onion gravy, spices, and low-heat cooking. It is not similar to other gravies as they are prepared with butter, curds, and cinnamon to create layers of pure Punjabi delicacy.
Some of the reasons why this meal is so popular include the following:
Nutritious: Makhana contains a lot of fiber and protein, but peas contain a lot of vitamins and minerals.
Multipurpose: It may be accompanied by rice and Indian breads.
Festive friendly: Serving during family gatherings or feasts for Diwali or Navrati.
This meal has a combination of sweetness, creaminess, and a hint of spice.
Ingredients for Makhana Matar Recipe
The spices and fresh products will have to be proportioned to make a tasty recipe of makhana matar. Below is a detailed list:
- Makhana – 2 cups
- Matar -1 cup (fresh or frozen)
- Onion – Finely chopped 2 medium
- Tomato – 3 medium, pureed
- Ginger-garlic paste -1 tablespoon.
- Green chili – 1 slit
- Fresh cream- 2 tablespoons (should be added to make it rich)
- Oil or ghee – 3 tablespoons
- Cumin seeds – 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder – Half a teaspoon
- Red chili powder – 1 teaspoon
- Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon
- Garam masala – Half a teaspoon
- Kasuri methi - 1 teaspoon, finely crushed
- Salt – as per taste
- Fresh Coriander leaves- to garnish.
This combination of ingredients will guarantee your dish a balanced ratio of taste and nutrition and will make the finest adaptation of a healthy makhana matar dish.
Step-by-Step Method: Makhana Matar Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Makhana
Begin with ghee (a tablespoon of it) that is heated in a pan. Add makhana and roast with a ferocious fire till golden brown. Set aside.
Step 2: Get the Masala Base Ready
Heat the ghee in the same pan. Cook the spice seeds after adding them. Saute the chopped onions until they get golden brown. Cook the green chile and ginger-garlic paste until the raw smell is eliminated.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Spices
Add and cook pureed tomatoes until the oil is released. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt, and cook the mixture until it thickens.
Step 4: Cook the Gravy
The consistency is made by adding half a cup of water. Stir well and let it simmer. Add peas (matar), and cook them 7-8 minutes till tender.
Step 5: Add Makhana
Finally, add makhana to the simmering curry. Mix them gently so that they are not wet. Add cream and kasuri methi to it. Add some garam masala on top.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Switch off the heat. Serve hot and with naan, chapati, or jeera rice.
Variations of Healthy Makhana Matar Recipe
The fact that the nutritious makhana matar dish may be prepared in a number of ways is its greatest benefit. Depending on your dietary requirements and tastes, there are several ways you may prepare it.
- Vrat Special Version: To make the dish suitable for fasting, omit the onion and garlic and substitute sendha namak for ordinary salt.
- Low Fat Version: Do not add the cream and cut down on oil so that it can be made weight-loss friendly.
- Rich Version: It will be made richer and creamier with cashew paste or coconut milk.
- Quick Making Version: Instead of makhana, which must be roasted, dry peas, which have to be frozen, can be used, and the 20-minute curry can be prepared.
Serving Suggestions
This makhana matar gravy dish goes very well with:
- Light dinner, hot phulkas or chapati.
- Wholesome meal, jeera rice, or steamed basmati rice.
- Badka or parathas to feast on, Punjabis.
- It is a thali meal with salad, papad, and pickle.
Health Benefits of Makhana Matar Recipe
The makhana matar recipe is also rich in health benefits in addition to taste.
- Helps in assimilation: Makhana is exceptionally tall in fiber, and this makes a difference in digestion.
- Solid: It is a low-calorie, nutritious nourishment, which is reasonable in solid diets.
- Immunosuppressive impact: Vitamin C and cancer prevention agents are found in peas.
- Fortifies bones: Makhana contains calcium and phosphorus, which offer assistance in keeping the bones healthy.
- Diabetes-friendly: The blend of peas and makhana will guarantee continuous sugar admissions.
Read Also: Lachha Paratha Recipe
Expert Tips for Perfect Flavor
1. The makhana should always be roasted before it is added to the curry to provide a crunchy texture.
2. Cook the curry, with an addition of roasted makhana in 5 minutes to allow it to absorb flavours.
3. In case you are a fan of creamy Punjabi flavor, do not omit kasuri methi and cream.
4. To make a true matar makhana curry, Punjabi style, it is good to cook it slowly on low fire to bring out the flavor.
5. Add spices to taste - Punjabi gravies are normally medium-spicy.
Conclusion
The makhana matar recipe is an irresistible mix of both health and taste that is popular in most kitchens in the North of India. Also, either you sample the matar makhana curry Punjabi style, as it is very delicious, or you take a risk by whipping up a light, healthy makhana matar meal; this meal does not disappoint.
Being a multifaceted makhana matar gravy dish, it can be served during festivals, family, or even regular dinners of the week. Makhana matar recipe is a dish that, in my opinion, should be a part of your everyday meal plan, in case you want to eat something wholesome but indulgent.
FAQs on Mkhana Matar Recipe
1.Is Makhana Matar condition uncommon for weight loss?
Yes, it is a powerful low-calorie meal that is appropriate for weight reduction since it contains fiber-rich makhana and protein-rich peas.
2. Is it possible to make Makhana Matar without garlic and onions?
Absolutely! It can be cooked in a satvik arrange with tomato, ginger, and smooth flavors, come full circle for fasting and vrat days.
3. What are the victory benefits of eating Makhana Matar
It makes a capability in digestion, supports heart flourishing, moves forward skin, and gives a wonderful alter of protein, fiber, and antioxidants.
4. Can Makhana Matar be organized with deplete or cream for a well off flavor?
Yes, counting deplete, cream, or cashew follow makes it creamier and more restaurant-style without compromising on taste.
5. How to make Makhana Matar firm in curry?
Roast the makhana freely in ghee or oil a few time as of late counting them to the curry. This keeps them crunchy and progresses the flavor.