Methi Matar Malai Recipe
Methi Matar Malai Recipe: As a self-proclaimed foodie and a homemaker who loves to cook, I am always on the lookout for new recipes to try and delight my family with. And, that’s how I discovered the Methi Matar Malai recipe. This creamy, velvety and rich dish has become a staple in our home, and I love every bite of it. The enticing aroma of freshly crushed methi leaves mixed with sweet peas and creamy malai, never fails to make my mouth water.
What is Methi Matar Malai?
Methi Matar Malai is a classic North Indian dish that is made with a base of creamy and rich tomato-onion gravy and a blend of freshly crushed methi (fenugreek) leaves, sweet green peas, and malai (cream). The flavors of this dish are delicate yet delectable, with a hint of sweetness from the peas, a slight bitterness from the methi, and a creamy richness from the malai. It is an excellent dish for those who love the taste of creamy gravies and enjoy a balance of flavors in their food.
Variations of Methi Matar Malai
- Methi Matar Mushroom Malai – In this variation, sautéed mushrooms are added to the base gravy, making it more substantial and flavorful.
- Palak Methi Matar Malai – Spinach is added to the base gravy, giving it a fresh and vibrant green color.
- Paneer Methi Matar Malai – Cubes of soft, fresh paneer (cottage cheese) are added to the gravy, making it more substantial and protein-rich.
- Kofta Methi Matar Malai – In this variation, small dumplings made of grated paneer and mashed potatoes are added to the gravy, making it more filling and satisfying.
Nutrition – Methi Matar Malai
Methi Matar Malai is a creamy and rich dish that is full of nutrients and flavors. Fresh methi leaves are an excellent source of iron, calcium, and vitamin K, while green peas are a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamin C. The addition of creamy malai to the dish makes it high in fat, but it is still a healthier option compared to other creamy gravies that use heavy cream. Serve this dish with whole wheat rotis or rice for a complete, nutritious meal.
Step by Step Methi Matar Malai Recipe
Methi Matar Malai Recipe
Ingredients
For Masala Paste
- 2 onions
- 1 to Tomato
- 1 inch ginger
- 6 garlic
- 2 green chillies
- 10 cashew
- ½ tsp Cumin (Jeera)
- 1 tbsp oil
Other Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups Green peas
- 2 kasuri methi / dry fenugreek leaves
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp Red Chilli Powder
- ½ tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp garam masala
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup cream
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Assemble all ingredients to avoid last minute rush.
- Pluck fenugreek leaves and discard stalks. Wash them very well in running water. Finely chop them and sprinkle 1 tsp of salt over it and mix well.
- Let methi leaves rest for 20 minutes in a Bowl, so that methi leaves will release their water with the salt. This process helps in reducing the bitterness of methi leaves.
- Squeeze out all water from fenugreek leaves and keep aside.
- Wash and finely chop onion, tomato, ginger, garlic, green chillies and cashews.
- Peel fresh green peas and cook them for 5 mins in a steamer or just boil them for 5-7 minutes.
Cooking
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a Kadai or Cookpot. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Now add chopped ginger and garlic. Let the raw aroma of garlic goes away. Then, add chopped onions. Stir very well and saute them on a low to medium flame till they become light brown.
- Now, add chopped green chilies and cashews.
- Add chopped tomatoes. Stir well and saute the tomatoes till they soften.
- When this onion-tomato mixture cools down, add it in a grinder jar. Add about ¼ to ½ cup water and grind to a smooth paste. Keep aside.
- Now, add ½ tbsp oil in a Pan. Add chopped fenugreek leaves into it and cook them properly.
- Next add turmeric powder, red chili powder and coriander powder. Mix and stir them with the sautéed methi leaves.
- Now add the prepared onion tomato paste. Stir very well.
- On a low flame saute the entire mixture for 7 to 8 minutes. Keep on stirring so that the masala does not stick to the pan.
- When masala starts releasing oil, then add 1 cup water and salt.
- Mix very well and let it simmer on a low to medium flame for 4-5 minutes.
- Now add cream. Mix the cream very well with the rest of the methi masala gravy.
- Add cooked peas and garam masala powder.
- Simmer on a low flame for 2 minutes till everything tangle each other very well.
- Serve hot Methi Matar Malai with tandoori rotis, naan or chapatis. This creamy gravy also goes well with jeera rice, saffron rice or kashmiri rice.
Equipment Used for This Recipe
Notes & Tips
- If fresh Fenugreek leaves are not available? You can use then, 2 tbsp dry kasoori methi alternate to fresh fenugreek leaves.
- Spices: You can always adjust spices and salt as per your taste.
- Fresh cream: You can choose whipped cream or fresh malai also to add in this Methi Matar Malai Recipe. You can also skip this if you are opting for less calories version.
- Red Chilli Powder: I always recommend to choose Kashmiri red chilli powder or degi mirch for best red color of the gravy. Do not use any food color.
- Ginger & Garlic: If you are out of fresh ginger and garlic or in hurry, can also choose ginger garlic paste.
- Green Peas: If fresh green peas are not available or you are in hurry, can use frozen peas as well. Just microwave them for 2-3 minutes before adding in the gravy.
- Cashews: Cashews give richness to the gravy. However, this step is completely optional.
- Ingredients & Equipment: Find these Ingredients & Equipment at specialty food stores or online stores. For review of some stores, please refer to the Grocery Review Section on our Website.
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
FAQs – Methi Matar Malai Recipe
What is Methi Matar Malai?
Methi Matar Malai is a delicious, creamy and rich North Indian dish made with fenugreek leaves (methi), green peas (matar), and cream. It is a vegetarian dish that is often enjoyed with rice or roti. The dish is known for its balance of flavors – the bitterness of the fenugreek leaves, the sweetness of the green peas, and the richness of the cream make for a dish that is both satisfying and delicious.
What ingredients are used in Methi Matar Malai?
The main ingredients in Methi Matar Malai are fenugreek leaves, green peas, cream, onion, ginger, garlic, tomatoes, and a mix of spices including turmeric, cumin, coriander powder, and garam masala.
What is the consistency of Methi Matar Malai?
Methi Matar Malai is a creamy and rich dish that has a smooth and velvety texture. The consistency is often described as silky and luxurious, making it a perfect choice for special occasions and dinner parties.
What are some variations of Methi Matar Malai?
There are several variations of Methi Matar Malai, including adding paneer or tofu, using different types of cream, or using cashews instead of cream for a nutty flavor. Some variations also include coconut milk for a more exotic flavor profile.
What makes Methi Matar Malai a special dish?
Methi Matar Malai is a special dish due to its combination of flavors and textures. The bitterness of the fenugreek leaves is balanced by the sweetness of the green peas and the richness of the cream, making for a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying. Additionally, the dish is versatile, as it can be served with a variety of sides, including rice, roti, or even naan.
What is the nutritional value of Methi Matar Malai?
Methi Matar Malai is a relatively nutritious dish, as it is high in protein and fiber. Additionally, the fenugreek leaves are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron and calcium. However, it is high in calories due to the use of cream, so it should be consumed in moderation.
Can Methi Matar Malai be made vegan?
Yes, Methi Matar Malai can be made vegan by using a vegan cream or a nut-based cream substitute. Additionally, using coconut milk can also add a rich, creamy texture without the use of dairy.
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