Share
When the winter season arrives, matar or peas suddenly become the star ingredient of every meal. Those tiny green pearls begin showing up everywhere, in the sabzis, parathas, pulaos, tikkis, and even in the 'healthy' breakfast. Something is comforting about shelling the fresh peas on a cold afternoon, with fingers slightly numb, while planning all the delicious meals you will add them to. Matar has that rare combination that is naturally sweet, slightly nutty, and surprisingly high in protein, hence it feels indulgent and useful at the same time.
In winters, it fits easily in rich gravies, khichadis, stuffed breads and crunchy tikkis, absorbing up spices while still maintaining its freshness in every bite. Whether you like ghee-soaked paratha or one-pot comfort bowls, matar quietly adjusts to every taste, making every dish feel a little more unique, a little more “seasonal.” It’s not simply a vegetable during the winter season, but it is a ritual.
Matar-Stuffed Parathas
Imagine tearing a hot paratha and getting a burst of spicy, lightly sweet green peas in every bite. The stuffing is prepared with coarsely mashed matar and aloo, sauteed in ghee with ginger, green chilli, coriander and a hint of basic spices. The outside is crisp and flaky, but the inside remains soft and juicy from the peas. It is a protein-rich meal, but it also feels wholesome when you drizzle more ghee or white makkhan on it. These parathas are the best for winter breakfasts to pair with dahi, achaar and a cup of adrak chai.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Matar Ghugani
Particularly, loved in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh is the classic chole snack, but with a winter twist, which is prepared with green peas. Matar or peas give that hearty, nutty flavour, freshness and light sweetness in every bite. The texture is thick, tangy, and seasoned with basic spices to warm you up during cold winter months. Protein from peas keeps you full for hours, which is exactly what you want on a lazy winter morning paired with a cup of chai.
Matar Masala Pulao With Roasted Nuts
This meal feels festive without requiring any extra effort. Rice is cooked with a generous amount of green peas, whole spices, and a mild masala base, so every grain is aromatic and lightly covered. The peas stay plump and a little sweet, adding to the texture of each spoon. Toss the roasted peanuts or cashews for extra crunch and protein. Serve it with raita, this matar masala pulao is perfect for winter lunches when you are looking for something aromatic, comforting, and still healthful enough.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Matar And Moong Dal Khichdi With Tadka Ghee
This is not the sad, sick day khichdi, but in a glow-up version. Split moong dal and rice, when cooked with peas, into a creamy, spoon comfort bowl, feels like a risotto’s Indian cousin. A sizzling tadka of ghee, cumin seeds, garlic and red chilli on top changes it fully. The combination of dal and peas provides a protein boost while being light on the stomach. On extremely cold nights, this steaming hot khichdi is perfectly what you desire under a cosy winter blanket.
Hara Matar Tikki
These tikkis are crispy on the outside, whereas soft and slightly chunky from inside, with a mixture of peas, paneer or dal, and a blend of spices mashed together. Every bite is smoky and feels fresh from coriander and mint. Protein creeps in through the paneer/dal-peas combo, making a simple snack into something extremely satisfying. Dip them into a garlicky hung curd dip, and you will have that hot-cold contrast that will feel amazing during the winter season.
(Image credit: Freepik)
