Though Matar Pulav is enjoyed year-round, it is traditionally a winter recipe. In India, green peas are typically harvested in November, during the winter season. Freshly harvested green peas are celebrated in many winter dishes, such as Matar ka Nimona or Kovalam Matar. But thanks to frozen green peas, we can make it anytime of the year! It’s a beloved dish in many Indian households, each with its own twist. My matar pulao recipe is a bit different from the others. It’s more like a quick fried rice. Give it a try! Biryani, on the other hand, is a bit elaborate and uses a layering technique. The rice and vegetables or meat are cooked separately. Partially cooked chawal is layered with meat or veggies and fried onions in a vessel, sealed, and slow-cooked on low heat without additional water. Biryani is richer in spices, more aromatic, and often has a strong saffron flavor in comparison. Green Peas: Fresh, frozen, or dry green peas can be used. If using fresh peas, soak them for 2 hours before cooking. For dry peas, soak overnight and cook in a pressure cooker for 15-20 minutes, ensuring they remain firm and not mushy. Canned peas are also an option. Coconut: Freshly grated coconut is preferred, but dry unsweetened coconut flakes, shreds, or desiccated coconut can also be used. Spices: Mustard seeds, cumin seeds, turmeric, cumin powder, and garam masala are the basic spices needed for Indian-style green peas pulao. Other Ingredients: Ginger paste, garlic, cilantro, onion, jalapeno, and cashews add flavor and texture to the green peas masala pulao.
Restaurant-style Matar Chawal is perfect for lunchboxes, lunch, dinners, or weekend meals, brunches, potlucks, parties, or festive occasions. This flavorful and delicious is one of the best Indian rice dishes with peas is easy to make and sure to become a favorite side dish for everyday cooking. Some popular side dish options for Masala Peas Pilau are Dal Tadka, Mirchi Ka Salan, and Chana Masala. Even a bowl of tomato soup or Cucumber Salad pairs well with Indian peas pilaf. If you have some leftover rice, here are some other recipes where you can use them - Tomato Sadam, Bell Pepper Rice, Coconut Rice, Yogurt Rice, Phodnicha Bhaat, Mint Pistachio Rice, and Tendli Masala Bhat.
