Green Peas Ambti

Green Peas Ambti

Green peas ambti is a classic maharashtrian preparation of coarsely crushed peas and tomatoes. It uses a rich and spicy masala paste that is to be freshly prepared with onions, coconut and a traditional selection of spices.

Preparation Time: 15 mins
Cooking Time: 12 mins
Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

3 1/4 cups green peas , boiled and coarsely crushed
2 tbsp oil
1/2 cup roughly chopped onions
2 tbsp grated coconut
1 tbsp coriander (dhania) seeds
50 mm (2”) piece cinnamon (dalchini)
1 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
3 cloves (laung / lavang)
3 black peppercorns (kalimirch)
6 whole dry kashmiri red chillies , broken into pieces
6 garlic (lehsun) cloves
2 cups roughly chopped tomatoes
salt to taste

For The Garnish

2 tbsp finely chopped coriander (dhania)

Method

1. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a broad non-stick pan, add the onions, coconut, coriander seeds, cinnamon, cumin seeds, cloves, peppercorns and dry red chillies and sauté on a medium flame for at least 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Remove from the flame and allow it to cool slightly.
3. Once slightly cooled, blend it in a mixer to a smooth paste using a little water. Keep aside.
4. Blend the tomatoes in mixer to a smooth pulp and keep aside.
5. Heat the remaining 1 tbsp of oil in a deep kadhai, add the prepared paste and sauté on a medium flame for 2 minutes.
6. Add the green peas, tomato pulp, salt and 1 cup of water, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 4 to 5 minutes, while stirring occasionally.
7. Serve hot garnished with coriander.