Matarchi Usal

Event: Blogging Marathon #41
Theme: Pick one ingredient and cook for 3 days
My choice: Green Peas

I chose to go with matarchi usal for my first "green peas" based post. This Maharashtrian side dish with subtly sweet flavors is a quick and easy one to prepare. It is so simple that it can be done under 10 minutes, especially if using frozen peas. Just zap the peas in a microwave for a couple of minutes while grinding the coconut mixture and just cook enough until the flavors are absorbed by the peas. The mixture is on the wet / semi dry side but I kept it dry to showcase it better. This is served with pav / rotis.

Ingredients:
2 cups green peas (I used frozen peas.)
2 tsp oil
1 tsp mustard seeds
Few curry leaves
1/8 tsp turmeric powder
A pinch of asafoetida powder
Salt to taste
Ingredients to grind:
1/4 cup coconut
3 - 4 green chillies or as required
1 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 inch piece of ginger

Method:
* Grind coconut, cumin, chillies, ginger to a fine paste adding 2 - 3 tbsp of water.
* Heat oil and add mustard seeds. When they start to sizzle and pop, add turmeric, curry leaves and asafoetida. Add peas, the ground paste, salt and add about 1/2 cup water. 
* Cook until the peas are done and serve warm.

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