मटारची उसळ / Matarchi Usal – Green peas in Green Curry

Luscious green curry sure to seduce your taste buds!

My heart jumps out when I see fresh green peas in farmer’s market. These are now in season, during winters and this hot, juicy, spicy curry made with Green peas is best served with some hot bread – makes a soul-warming meal for any cold winter nights.

It’s an easy twist to a traditional recipe with lots of coriander to make “green paste” which gives this curry a bright green color and makes it super flavorful. Add more whole spices for extra flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup freshly scraped coconut
• 1/2 bunch fresh coriander
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 green chilies
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 inch Ginger
• 2-3 tbsp of water

• 2 cups fresh (or frozen) peas
• 4-5 curry leaves
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp Goda Masala
• 1/2 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric & hing
• 2 Red chilies or 1/2tsp red chili powder or to taste
• Salt to taste
• 2 tsp oil
• 1 tbsp freshly squeezed Lemon juice
• 2 cups of water

Method:

1. First make the green paste in a small blender with coconut, coriander, green chilies, ginger, and garlic. Add a few tbsp of water if needed but don’t make it too thin.
2. Next, in a heavy bottom pan, add oil. Once it becomes hot, add red chilies, mustard seeds, turmeric and hing and then add the green paste. Saute it well until leaves oil and the raw smell goes away.
3. Add Goda masala and stir everything together.
4. Now add fresh peas, water, and coriander powder. Mix everything. Let it cook until the peas become soft and tender. Add more water if needed.

Serve hot with bread slices!