A Flavorful Delight: Recipe for Half Kg Matar Chawal
Introduction:
Matar Chawal—peas and rice coming together in a light, fragrant one-pot dish that’s as delicious as it is easy. With just a few ingredients and basic spices, you can create a comforting, homestyle meal in under 30 minutes. This recipe uses ½ kg rice—perfect for a small family meal or simple gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
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500 g basmati rice (washed & soaked for 20 min)
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1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
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1 medium onion (sliced)
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2 tbsp oil or ghee
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1 tsp cumin seeds
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1 bay leaf
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1 small cinnamon stick
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2 cloves
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Salt to taste
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1 tsp garam masala (optional)
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4–5 cups water (as needed)
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Fresh coriander for garnish
Step-by-Step Cooking Method:
Step 1: Prep the Rice
Soak rice in water for 20 minutes, then drain.
Step 2: Sauté Whole Spices
Heat oil or ghee in a pot. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cloves, and cinnamon. Let them sizzle and become fragrant.
Step 3: Cook Onions & Peas
Add sliced onions and sauté until soft and light golden. Add green peas and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Rice & Water
Add drained rice, mix gently. Add salt and water (about 4 cups to start), bring to a boil.
Step 5: Cook Covered
Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed. Sprinkle garam masala and fluff gently.
Serving Suggestions:
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Serve with raita, achar, or simple curry
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Goes well with chicken karahi, daal, or even boiled eggs
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Perfect for lunchboxes or lazy dinner nights
Storage Tips:
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Cool before storing in the fridge (up to 3 days)
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Reheat with a splash of water to restore moisture
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Freezing not recommended due to rice texture loss
Final Thoughts:
Matar Chawal proves that sometimes, simple is best. With the sweet bite of peas and the softness of rice, it’s a dish that’s always welcome—whether it’s a weekday meal or a side dish for guests.