There is a subtle excitement in catching a glimpse of those final piles of winter peas at the sabzi mandi, comprehending the fact that they are the last of the season and are saying goodbye. The heaps are reducing to smaller ones now, the pods are not as abundant as they were during peak season, and that’s precisely the reason why you should grab them and make a delicious snack out of them. The peas in winter are much sweeter and softer than the ones you get all year round. They do not just add colour to a dish, but also give a fresh sweetness that makes every bite feel satisfying.
Make comforting bites out of the peas so that you can enjoy them over your evening chai. These recipes are easy, simple and quick to make. Before the last lot fades away from the market, make the most out of it, because once they have vanished, you will certainly miss that fresh sweetness.
Matar Ki Kachori
There is something special about taking a bite into a hot kachori stuffed with freshly crushed winter peas. Coarsely grind the fresh peas with some ginger, green chilli, fennel, and a pinch of hing. Sauté it slightly until it turns dry and aromatic, then stuff the filling into small dough and fry until crisp and golden. The filling tastes lightly sweet and spicy in every bite, very different from that of frozen peas. The peas in winter have a natural sweetness that makes this snack more special. Serve it with tamarind chutney on the side over a cup of hot chai for a proper treat to enjoy end-of-season treat.
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Matar Pudina Ki Tikki
These tikkis appear to be bright and fresh, and ideal for evening snack cravings. Mash the blanched peas with some boiled potatoes, chopped mint, coriander, and chaat masala. Shape the mixture into flat rounds and shallow-fry on a tawa with little oil until it turns crisp on the outside. The outside changes to golden, whereas the inside remains soft and a little sweet. The peas in winter add a freshness to the tikkis that frozen ones can never match. Serve the tikkis with green chutney, and they make up a light, flavourful, and lovely way to enjoy the last peas of the season.
Matar Chaat
If you want to make something quick, change the fresh peas in a warm chaat. Lightly boil the peeled peas, then toss them with some butter, roasted cumin, chopped onions, tomatoes, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of chaat masala. The warmth of the peas when mixed with tangy and spicy flavours makes a satisfying bowl. The peas in the winter season are naturally sweet and tender, so they do not need to rely on heavy spices. It is the kind of snack that requires hardly 10 minutes to make.
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Peas & Cheese Stuffed Toast
For a trendy twist to this simple ingredient, mash peas with some grated cheese, black pepper, and a little garlic. Spread the mixture generously between the bread slices and toast with butter until they turn crisp. When you cut the toast open, the filling feels creamy, lightly sweet, and savoury in every bite. The peas add texture and freshness to the toast that perfectly balances the taste of cheese. It is simple to make and is equally loved by kids and adults alike.
UP Style Nimona
People in Uttar Pradesh swear by a bowl of hot nimona during winter. Coarsely grind the fresh green peas, don’t make it too smooth; the texture is the soul of the dish. In a pan, heat mustard oil until it turns smoky, and add cumin, hing, ginger, garlic, and green chillies to this. Let it turn aromatic and then stir in the crushed peas with some turmeric, coriander powder, and a pinch of garam masala. Cook until the raw smell goes away and the peas get a thick and slightly grainy texture. Add the diced potatoes if you like them. In the end, add some fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon from the top. Serve hot with steamed rice or roti for a soul-soothing meal.
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