1. If it is an energy boost that we are looking then peas is the solution. They combat fatigue by providing nutrients that matabolise carbohydrates, proteins & lipids which produce energy.
2. Peas help in building strong bones by providing with vitamin K1, vitamin B6 & folic acid.
3. If you have to choose between canned or frozen, go for the frozen as they are lower in sodium and therefore healthier.
4. Being a rich source of soluble fibre, peas reduce the body’s blood cholesterol level. The folic acid also promotes cardiovascular health. It’s the heart’s best friend.
5. Despite it’s name the sweet pea plant (Flowers are simply gorgeous) are poisonous!
6. Peas are believed to have originated in the Middle East....5000 years ago!
7. Through the years, this legume has undergone quite a few of name change. Originally pisum in Latin, it became pise in Anglo Saxon and then pease in English. Thinking pease was the plural form, people started referring as pea and then the name stuck.
8. Think you know how to eat peas? Traditional etiquette says that the ‘correct’ way to eat peas is to spear a few on the pongs of your fork then scoop up more on the fork.
9. Want to shed some weight? Think peas! They contain twice as much protein as most vegetables but are less fatty than other protein rich foods. One cup of peas only contains 0.58g of fat, 116 calories & no cholesterol.
10. As a rich source of vitamin C, peas strengthen the body’s immune system & help ward off all types of cancer.
I love peas.......I am the undisputed “Matar Wali”! (Peas in hindi is “Matar” & “wali” a person). Below is a list of some of my favourite Indian dishes containing what else.........Peas & more peas! There are many different ways to cook these Indian dishes but the below is what yours truly with no inclination towards elaborate cooking and with no training still manages to rustle up to satisfy my taste buds! Its easy-peasy!
Matar Pulao (Rice with Peas) – Very easy to make with Basmati Rice and peas. All it takes is a bit of oil & some spices to bring out the aroma in the rice pot. Add the peas, sauté it with some onions, add the rice, water , put the lid and voila! Another variation in case the rice is cooked already. Just toss the cooked rice into the sautéed peas & onions!
Aloo Matar ( Potatoes & Peas) – In a wok heat some oil & stir in chopped onions, ginger garlic paste & bay leaves. When onions turn brown, mix the potatoes & peas. After a while stir in tomato puree, garam masala (Indian spices), salt to taste & chilli powder if you like it hot! Cook till done.
Matar Gobi ( Peas with cauliflower) - Heat oil & sauté onions till brown. Add ginger garlic paste, green chilli, red chilli & sauté for a while. Add chopped tomato & coriander leaves. Cool this and puree all adding some yoghurt. Put it back on the wok, add water, peas & the cauliflower and cook till done. Garnish with chopped coriander and enjoy!
Matar Mushroom – In a wok take some oil, throw in a bit of cumin seeds, add chopped onions, ginger-garlic paste, green chilli paste and sauté. Then stir in the peas. When half cooked add the chopped or sliced mushrooms, salt to taste, black pepper & a bit to lemon juice for that zing. Cover the pot for few minutes & cook till water evaporates.
Matar Paratha ( Indian Bread stuffed with peas) – Knead the dough with salt & chiili powder. Roll it to whatever shape you want it to be...usually it would be round...and place some cooked peas (Toss ginger & green chillies in a wok with little oil and add in the peas) in the middle. Bring the outer edges together as to close the filling and then roll it again flat so that the stuffing is now in between. On a pre-heated tawa (flat pan), smear a bit of butter, put the paratha and shallow fry over low heat. Turn the other side, put more butter and cook till golden brown. It’s simply divine! Eat it with yogurt (curd) or with pickle!
My favourite......OK.... one of my favourite snack that I love is....? Make a wild guess!
1 comment:
it's funny you mention peas...they are generally one of the very few vegetables i dislike...BUT...one of my favorite indian dishes is "matar paneer"!!! jeff laughs at me every time we go to our favorite indian restaurant, and i eat a giant helping of it! (matar mushroom & matar gobi also sound good...mmm...ok, now i am very very hungry!)
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