Sizzling Tastebuds

Kadai Methi Matar (Jain style) | Curry with fenugreek and peas, no onion-garlic version

Fenugreek in any form
( fresh leaves / seeds) is a favourite in my family. I wasn’t too fond of this herb till I made the Methi Sprouts Pickle some years ago – a recipe from S’s
aunt. The bitterness of the seed had completely disappeared and I keep making
batches of these often. It is said that swallowing a cup of water with methi seeds
early morning on an empty stomach with seeds soaked overnight brings down cholesterol.
Methi leaves are available where I stay throughout the year, and the winters
produce the freshest and crunchiest leaves.

And what better way
than to combine them with another winter produce – green peas (or snow peas)
for this delightful spicy gravy – Kadai Methi Matar (or pan sautéed fenugreek-snow
peas gravy) in a Jain version (sans garlic or onion).

Pair it up with
fluffy phulkas or any Indian bread and Mili Jhuli Daal (lentil gravy) and you
have a wonderful meal to boot. I have made it without onions and tomatoes,
however you are feel free to add in. I also added cumin powder and a higher
pinch of garam masala to make this a North Indian version. Linking it to BM #24and also to :

My own event – Winter Foods 30 min Challenge

Vardhini’s New “U” 2013

Sumee’s  Bon Vivant Healthy appetite

Let’s get to the recipe, thenJ

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Prep time – 15 mins |
Cooking time – 15 mins

Serves – 3

Spice level – Medium

Difficulty level – Medium

Ingredients:

  • Fresh Methi /
    Fenurgreek leaves – 2 cups (packed)
  • cauliflower florets – a handful
  • Snow peas / fresh
    green peas – ½ cup
  • Salt – to taste
  • Tomatoes – 1 large
  • Turmeric – 1/4 tsp
  • Oil – 4 TBSP
  • Jeera powder – 1.5
    TBSP
  • Garam Masala – 1 TBSP
  • Red chilly powder – ½
    tsp
  • Fresh cream – 2 tsp
  • Coriander leaves –
    for garnish


To grind:

Cloves 1

Cinnamon – ½ tsp

Poppy seeds – ¼ tsp

Red Pumpkin – ¼ cup
(cubed)

Shahjeera – ½ tsp

Green chillies-  2 nos (adjust spice)


Method:

Blanch peas & cauliflower in
slightly salted water. Saute red pumpkin cubes along with 1 tsp oil, chillies,
cloves, poppy seeds and keep aside. Clean, wash and chop fenugreek finely.

Grind the red pumpkin
along with the rest of the spices (as indicated in the “To Grind” list) to a
smooth paste

In a pan, add
remaining oil. Splutter cumin seeds, then add the chopped fenugreek leaves. Add
turmeric, requisite salt and sauté till the leaves wilt, about 4 – 7 mins.

Now add the ground
paste and sauté till the raw smell disappears. Add required water (about ¼ cup)
along with the dry masala powders- Red chilly powder, garam masala powder and
cumin powder – and mix well.

Add the chopped
tomatoes and mix till the tomatoes turn mushy, about 3 mins. Then add the
blanched veggies, and check for salt and spice.

Mix well and simmer
for further 2 – 3 mins till you get the desired consistency (as you have added
poppy seeds, it will thicken with time).

Switch off flame,
transfer to a dish and finish with cream and coriander leaves.

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18 Comments

  1. Luv the flavor of methi in this. Lovely.

  2. runnergirlinthekitchen.blogspot.com

    Fenugreek in the form of Kasuri methi is my favourite!
    Nice preparation and very satvik!

  3. love fenugreek so this one is a must try.

  4. Priya Srinivasan - I Camp in My Kitchen

    Is pumpkin used to get a rich gravy here? Looks rich!!! Fresh methi is always a favorite @ my place!!!!

  5. Love the flavor of Kasoori methi!!! this looks so delicious!!
    Sowmya
    Ongoing Event – Breakfast
    Ongoing Event – Tried and Tasted – Raks Kitchen

  6. Love this delicious combination of ingredients.Looks very tasty.

  7. Delicious and flavorful side dish.. Perfect for any flat bread..

  8. Priya Suresh

    Love the flavour of methi in my gravies, curry looks marvellous,an excellent pair for rotis.

    Btw regarding ur question about my font, am using corsiva or else Bilbo swash caps.

  9. Very flavourful curry… Perfect with Naan or kulcha..

  10. Looks delicious Kalyani.Never tried teh Jain version.
    And I have updated the carrot rava idli with a link to ur post. Thanks for letting me know 🙂

  11. Looks so good Kalyani.. Love the color. Thanx for linking it up

  12. My World My Home

    Looks delicious…

    Helen
    http://myworldmyhome2012.blogspot.in

  13. Pakka restaurant style, this one too :))! Love it!

  14. Chef Mireille

    looks so inviting and delicious

  15. Yummy curry. Looks creamy and delicious.

  16. Suma Gandlur

    Love the color of that fabulous curry.

  17. Inviting curry Kalyani. Perfect with rotis for me.

    Vardhini
    Event: Sweet Luv – 2013

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