Pea Amti Recipe

Pea Amti is a traditional Maharashtrian dish that features peas cooked in a flavorful, tangy, and mildly spiced coconut-based curry. It's a delicious and comforting dish that can be enjoyed with rice or Indian bread. Here's a recipe for Pea Amti:

Ingredients:

- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas

- 1/2 cup grated coconut

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)

- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder

- 1/2 teaspoon tamarind paste

- 2 tablespoons oil

- Salt to taste

- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them splutter.

2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until the onion turns translucent.

3. Add grated coconut to the pan and roast it until it turns golden brown. Stir constantly to prevent burning.

4. Once the coconut is lightly roasted, remove the pan from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

5. Transfer the roasted coconut mixture to a blender or food processor. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, tamarind paste, and salt.

6. Blend the mixture into a smooth paste by adding a little water if needed.

7. Return the pan to heat and add the blended coconut paste. Cook for a minute, stirring constantly.

8. Add the peas to the pan and mix well with the coconut paste.

9. Add water as per your desired consistency. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes or until the peas are cooked.

10. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. If the amti is too thick, you can add more water to thin it out.

11. Once the peas are cooked, garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

12. Serve hot with steamed rice or any Indian bread of your choice.

Enjoy your homemade Pea Amti!