We all know that no festival is complete without good food and Vaisakhi is no exception. This spring harvest festival celebrates the vast agricultural history of Punjab and offers gratitude and thanks to the farmers who grow crops year after year. It also happens to be the birthday of the Khalsa Panth, a sacred part of Sikhism. But regardless of the religious background, it is celebrated with much fun and zeal throughout the region. Vaisakhi is tomorrow.
We’re Indians, so it goes without saying that at any given festival we prepare veg meals (except for one, and that is LOHRI). I always try and follow the traditions and make sure that I cook something special. So, today’s recipe is Dahi Matar, a staple high protein side dish, quick to make but totally restaurant-worthy. I hope you will enjoy watching the video for Dahi Matar on my YouTube channel.
There are a handful of recipes that I just know by heart, and this Dahi Matar sabzi is one of those. I am pairing Dahi matar with Langar waali daal, Karahi Paneer, No Fry Dahi Bhallay, Gluten-free parshad, and Gluten-free Tandoori Roti. A wonderful veg meal to be served on Vaisakhi.
The tiny green peas not only add flavor to our meals but also have multiple health benefits. They are low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and salt. Although we tend to think of them as vegetables, peas are technically legumes. So, nutritionally, they have more in common with foods like beans and chickpeas. And, like those other legumes, peas are a “great source of plant-based protein and are also high in fiber,” They promote gut health and a feeling of fullness. If you are a vegetarian or considering vegetarianism, or limiting the amount of meat you will love to add Dahi matar and other dishes as well to your repertoire.
Dahi Matar is a tasty dish that you can prepare with minimum ingredients. You just need peas, onion, garlic, yogurt, tomato, and some spices. Thick and creamy, gluten-free, and low fat, too. While the texture is creamy, it doesn’t require cream to make. Moreover, it is super easy to make within no time. This easy Dahi Matar recipe is the perfect side dish to serve with any Indian-inspired meal. This is the best option for me on busy weekdays because I always have a bag of frozen peas in the freezer. In addition, it goes well with hot roti or rice since it is a semi-dry dish.
I hope you make this recipe for your family. If you enjoy it, please let me know. If you feel the recipe needs a few tweaks, even then, drop me a message. You can find me, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Let’s stay in touch.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup thawed peas
- 1 cup unflavored yogurt, whisked (I am using homemade)
- 1/2 cup sliced onion
- 3-4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tomato, chopped
- Water as required
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a pan on medium heat. Once hot add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Next add sliced onion and garlic.
- Sauté till light brown.
- Then add turmeric powder, red chili powder, chopped tomatoes, and salt.
- Mix and cook until tomatoes are soft and almost mushy.
- Add green peas and some water ( I am using frozen peas so I don't need much water to soften them ). But if using fresh green peas then boil them before adding them here as fresh takes longer to cook.
- Cover and cook until peas are soft and tender.
- Lower the heat and add whisked yogurt.
- Stir the yogurt before it gets curdled. Let it simmer for 5 -7 minutes. Most of the gravy thickens and coats the peas.
- Lastly, add garam masala and freshly chopped cilantro.
- Mix and it is ready to serve with rice or roti.
Bringing Dahi Matar to Angie’s linky party Fiesta Friday.
Carol
Your dish looks appetizing.
angiesrecipes
That looks like a fabulous meal! I love those charred flatbread too.
Pooja Mahimkar
So yummm, thanks for sharing
Tandy I Lavender and Lime
This is a yes please for me! Sounds delicious, and with ingredients I have at home all the time. Hope you had a wonderful Vaisakhi festival 🙂
Pattie
This looks amazingly delicious. I love peas, and I’m always looking for new ways to use them. I am definitely going to try this. It has to be intensely flavorful with all of the spices.
marcela
WOW!…what a great thali!!…I can imagine the taste and my mouth is watering!….I had prepared some Indian food as well paneer because of Vaisakhi…..I can’t wait to try dis dish!!……..Abrazotes, Marcela
2pots2cook
It really looks very inviting ! Thank you for sharing it !