Matar Chawal (Peas Pulao)

The Matar Pulao has a rich taste of mind-blowing aroma of whole spices which makes this dish a really mouth-watering one.

Basic pulav made with green peas known as matar In Urdu. Pulao is a Desi rice Dish made using very few spices, veggies or meat. It is served with a raita or any veg or non-veg gravy. Usually basmati rice is used to make pulao but any premium quality rice can also be used.

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups basmati rice
• 2.5 cups water
• 1 heaped cup green peas / matar
• 2 green chilies slit
• 1 large onion or ¾ cup sliced or chopped
• 2 tbsp ghee
• Salt as needed

Spices

• 1 tsp cumin/ jeera or shahi jeera
• 2 to 4 Black cardamom / Bari elaichi
• 6 cloves / lavang
• 1 bay leaf / tej patta
• 2 inch Cinnamon stick / dalchini (if using true cinnamon use three 2 inch pieces)

Prepration

1. Wash and soak rice for at least 30 mins. If you are in a hurry you can soak it in hot water for 15 mins and use up. Discard the water and drain to a colander.
2. Slice the onion. Slit the green chilies. Set them aside.

Making Peas Pulao (Matar Pulao)

1. Heat ghee or oil in a pot or cooker add onions and fry until golden.
2. Add peas ,Spices and rice. Saute for 3 to 4 mins.
3. Pour water and add salt. Check salt and add more if needed. The water must taste medium salty.
4. Cook on a medium heat until the water is almost absorbed. If using pressure cooker, cover the lid and cook on a low heat for 5 mins.
5. If cooking in a pot, then cook covered for 5 to 7 mins on a low heat.
6. Fluff up with a fork once done. Allow to rest for sometime.
7. Garnish peas pulao or matar pulao with nuts. Serve with raita or a gravy.