Green Peas Curry

Green Peas Curry: A Delicious and Nutritious Dish

Green peas curry is a delectable and nutritious dish that holds a special place in the culinary world. Bursting with flavors, this vibrant curry offers a delightful blend of aromatic spices, tender green peas, and a rich, creamy gravy. As a homemaker, learning how to prepare this mouthwatering curry will not only add a new dimension to your culinary skills but also bring joy to your loved ones’ palates. This comprehensive guide walks you through the step-by-step process of preparing green peas curry, exploring various recipes, variations, and serving suggestions.

Why Soak Green Peas?

Green peas, like many other dried legumes, can benefit from soaking before cooking for several reasons:

Softens Texture & Reduces Cooking Time: Soaking green peas in water helps soften their texture and rehydrate them, reducing the cooking time and ensuring even cooking.
Restores Moisture: When dried, peas lose moisture, and soaking helps restore it, resulting in tender and plump peas.
Enhances Nutrient Absorption: Legumes contain phytic acid, which can bind to minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium, inhibiting their absorption. Soaking neutralizes phytic acid, making these nutrients more accessible for digestion.

Methods of Soaking Green Peas

There are two common methods for soaking green peas:

Overnight Soaking

Place the green peas in a bowl or container and cover them with enough water. Allow them to soak overnight, ideally for 8 to 12 hours. This method ensures thorough hydration and softening of the peas.

Quick Soaking

If you don’t have enough time for overnight soaking, use the quick soaking method. Place the green peas in a pot, cover them with water, and bring to a boil. Let it boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let the peas soak for about 1 hour. Drain and rinse before cooking.

Understanding Green Peas Curry

Before diving into the recipe, it’s important to understand the essence of green peas curry. Green peas, known for their natural sweetness and vibrant color, serve as the star ingredient in this dish. They are often combined with a medley of spices and herbs to create a harmonious balance of flavors. The base of the curry is typically made with onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala.

Serving Suggestions

Green peas curry pairs well with various accompaniments, allowing you to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some serving suggestions:

Rice: Serve the curry with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice for a classic and comforting combination.
Roti/Naan: Enjoy the curry with soft and fluffy Indian bread like roti or naan.
Paratha: Serve the curry with flaky and layered parathas for a delightful treat.
Bread: Make a green peas curry sandwich by spreading the curry between slices of toasted bread.

Classic Green Peas Curry Recipe

Ingredients

Green peas, soaked overnight in water – 1 cup
Cumin seeds – 1/2 teaspoon
Sliced onions, medium-sized – 2
Chopped tomato – 1
Chopped ginger – 1-inch piece
Chopped garlic – 6 pods
Curry leaves – 1 sprig
Green chili – 1
Turmeric powder – 1/4 teaspoon
Coriander powder – 1 tablespoon
Kashmiri chili powder – 1 teaspoon
Garam masala – 1 teaspoon
Salt – 1.5 teaspoons
Oil – 2 teaspoons
Hot water – 2 cups
Chopped coriander leaves, for garnish – 2 tablespoons

Method of Preparation

Heat oil in a pressure cooker and add cumin seeds.
Add chopped ginger, garlic, and green chili.
As the raw smell fades, add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
Add salt and continue sautéing.
Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft and mushy.
Add turmeric powder, Kashmiri chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala.
Keep the stove on low flame to prevent burning of the spices.
Add 2 cups of hot water and bring it to a boil.
When the water starts boiling, add soaked green peas.
Adjust salt as per taste.
Close the lid, put on the whistle, and pressure cook for 2 whistles on medium flame. (Cooking time may vary based on the type of green peas and pressure cooker size.)
Allow the pressure to release naturally.
Open the lid and let the curry simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
Your tasty green peas curry is ready to serve with kallappam, roti, naan, chapati, or rice!