Ingredients
Winter brings a bounty of vibrant vegetables, and one of the most-loved dishes during the season is the Gajar Matar Sabzi Recipe. This comforting preparation combines the natural sweetness of winter carrots with the freshness of green peas to create a wholesome everyday meal. In Indian kitchens, Gajar Matar Sabzi holds a special place because of its simplicity, nutritional value, and warm spices that enhance its flavour.
Why Gajar Matar Sabzi Recipe Is a Winter Essential
Winter carrots, popularly known as Delhi carrots, are naturally sweet and rich in colour. When cooked with tender green peas, the Gajar Matar Sabzi Recipe becomes a nutritious side dish packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Carrots are an excellent source of Vitamin A, while peas add protein and essential minerals. Together, they create a balanced vegetarian preparation suitable for both lunch and dinner.
The use of basic Indian spices like haldi, jeera, hing, and coriander powder gives Gajar Matar Sabzi a comforting aroma while keeping the recipe light and digestible. It pairs effortlessly with chapati, paratha, or dal-rice, making it a must-have dish in winter menus.
Key Ingredients Needed for Gajar Matar Sabzi
To prepare a flavorful Gajar Matar Sabzi Recipe, start with fresh seasonal carrots and peas. Saptrishi spices such as Haldi, Jeera, and Hing elevate the taste and digestive benefits. Carrots must be sliced evenly to ensure even cooking, and peas can be used fresh or frozen depending on availability.
Key ingredients include:
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Carrots
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Green peas
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Jeera
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Haldi
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Hing
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Coriander powder
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Ghee or oil
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Green chilli
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Onions (optional)
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Fresh coriander
These ingredients form the foundation of a delicious and homestyle Gajar Matar Sabzi.
Step-by-Step Method for Gajar Matar Sabzi Recipe
1. Preparing the Vegetables
Wash, peel, and slice carrots into medium-thin rounds. Thinner slices cook faster and blend well with peas. If using fresh peas, remove them from pods and wash thoroughly. Prepare chopped onions, green chilli, and ginger according to your preference.
2. Starting the Tempering
Heat ghee or oil in a kadhai. Add Saptrishi Jeera and allow it to crackle. Add a pinch of Saptrishi Hing for depth and aroma. If using onions, sauté until lightly golden. Add chopped green chilli and ginger and cook briefly.
3. Adding the Spices
In this step, the flavor of the Gajar Matar Sabzi Recipe starts building. Add haldi, coriander powder, and red chilli powder. Roast gently to bring out the fragrance of the spices. Ensure not to burn the spices by keeping the flame low.
4. Cooking Carrots and Peas
Add the sliced carrots and peas, mixing well so they are completely coated with the spice mixture. Add salt as per taste and stir thoroughly. Sprinkle around ¼ cup of water, cover the pan, and allow the vegetables to cook on a low flame for 10–12 minutes.
5. Checking for Doneness
Carrots should be soft yet firm, and peas must remain bright green. If the vegetables catch at the bottom, add a splash of water. If there is excess moisture, cook uncovered for a few minutes until the Gajar Matar Sabzi becomes dry and aromatic.
6. Finishing Touch
Add Saptrishi Garam Masala (optional), chopped coriander, and a few drops of lemon juice to brighten the flavours. Mix gently and turn off the flame.
Tips for Making the Perfect Gajar Matar Sabzi Recipe
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Use red winter carrots for authentic taste.
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Do not overcook peas to avoid them turning dull or mushy.
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Add minimal water since this is a dry sabzi.
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Using ghee instead of oil enhances the richness.
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For a stronger flavour, increase jeera or add crushed coriander seeds.
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Lemon juice should be added only at the end for freshness.
These tips ensure that your Gajar Matar Sabzi Recipe comes out flavorful, aromatic, and well-balanced.
Variations of Gajar Matar Sabzi
1. No-Onion Version
Skip onions entirely for a sattvic or simple daily preparation. This version is lighter and perfect for fasting or special diets.
2. Masala Gajar Matar Sabzi
Add tomato puree for a tangy and gravy-like texture.
3. Garlic-Infused Version
Add crushed garlic in the tempering stage for an earthy taste.
4. High-Protein Sabzi
Add paneer cubes or soya granules to increase the protein content without compromising flavour.
These variations help adapt the Gajar Matar Sabzi Recipe to different meal preferences and occasions.
Serving Ideas for Gajar Matar Sabzi
The versatile nature of Gajar Matar Sabzi makes it a great side dish with various main items:
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Whole wheat chapati
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Plain or masala paratha
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Steamed rice with dal
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Jeera rice
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Bajra roti during winters
You can also pack this sabzi for office tiffins as it stays fresh and does not become soggy.
Nutritional Benefits of Gajar Matar Sabzi
The Gajar Matar Sabzi Recipe is not just delicious but also highly nutritious. Carrots are known for improving eyesight, boosting immunity, and promoting healthy skin. Peas add plant-based protein, fiber, and vitamins like B-complex. The spices used—haldi, jeera, and hing—improve digestion and metabolism. When cooked with minimal oil or ghee, this sabzi becomes an excellent low-calorie option suitable for weight management and daily meals.
To explore more healthy seasonal recipes or spice-based blogs-
https://saptrishifoods.com/blogs/news/monthly-snack-flavours-combo-benefits-for-tasty-evenings
