Matra  Chaat / dry peas Chaat

This is a delicious spicy, very healthy, cooking medium free snack. Matar Ki Chaat can be served as a snack or as a main dish with Indian bread Kulchas.

Although dried peas belong to the same family of beans and legumes, they are classified in a separate group due to the preparation. The fully matured pea pods are dried to get dried peas. It is harder and starchier than that of fresh peas and can be readily used when fresh peas are not available. Dried peas are available in yellow, green, and red colors. Health benefits of dried peas are numerous due to their nutritional value.

Prep time : Soaked overnight + 15 minutes cooking time

Cuisine: Indian

Course : Main / snack

Serves : 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup matara / dried peas
• 1/2 tsp salt / or salt to taste
• 1/4 tsp black salt / or salt to taste
• 1 tsp cumin seed, roasted and powdered
• 1 tbsp coriander powder, dry roasted
• 1/4  sp black pepper
• 1/4  tsp sugar
• 2 tbsp ginger juice, (finely chopped and squeezed)
• 1 tsp red chili powder / or to taste
• 2 tbsp tamarind pulp

For Garnishing

• 2 tbsp ginger finely chopped

Method:

Step 1.

Wash and soak matra / dried peas in four cups of water overnight.

Step 2.

On high flame place the pressure cooker with the soaked matra/ dried peas along with the water soaked in, and salt. The moment pressure is formed, reduce to low flame for 5 minutes. Switch off the stove. Let the pressure cooker cool down to room temperature. Open the lid take out well cooked matra / dried peas in a bowl and keep aside.

Step 3.

Dry roast the coriander powder for half a minute, add roasted cumin seeds powder. Add the cooked matra / dried peas and mix cook on low flame. Add pepper, red chili powder, ginger juice and tamrind pulp, mix well cook for 5-6 minutes.

Step 4.

Garnish with finely cut ginger threads , serve hot . If serving for main course, serve with Indian bread Kulchas.

 Health benefits of Matra / dried peas:

They are packed with dietary fiber and are a good source of nutrients such as proteins, molybdenum, thiamin, folate, potassium, and phosphorus.  Half a cup of cooked dried peas provides: 

• 144 calories
• 26 g carbohydrates
• 10 g proteins
• 10 g dietary fiber
• 1 g fat
• 2 mg sodium
• 0 mg cholesterol

• Since dried peas have high fiber content, they have a cholesterol lowering effect.
• People with diabetes, hypoglycemia, or insulin resistance problems suffer from irregular glucose metabolism. Dried peas helps to maintain blood sugar levels as it slows down the burning process, thereby providing steady amounts of glucose to the blood.
• A cup of dried peas provide 65.1% of the daily value of fiber, and the fiber helps to relieve constipation and prevent gastrointestinal disorders.
• The isoflavones present in dried peas prevents health conditions like prostate and breast cancer.
• Dried peas are good sources of iron and by eating a quarter cup of peas daily, one can meet 8% of his/her daily iron needs.
• Other dried peas benefits include the lowering risk of heart disease. The ingredients folate and magnesium present in dried peas help to maintain the level of homocysteine and help to avert heart diseases.
• Dried peas are rich in magnesium and potassium. The former helps to improve blood flow, and the latter helps to maintain blood pressure, thus lowering the chance of plaque buildup in blood vessels.
• Sulfites that are commonly used in salads and processed foods cause headache and disorientation. Molybdenum present in dried peas play a vital role in detoxification of sulfites. One can obtain 196% of the daily value of molybdenum by consuming a cup of cooked dried peas.
• Dried peas are also great protein snack with fiber that helps with weight loss. They will curb hunger pangs by keeping the blood sugar levels under control.

Ref.http://www.diethealthclub.com/therapeutic-value-of-different-foods/beans-and-legumes/dried-peas.html

Nick’s kitchen medical Disclaimer:

• Nick’s kitchen is for Vegetarians. It sometimes provides education and support to individuals who want to become vegetarian, or move toward a more vegetarian diet.
• Nick’s kitchen provides some information on vegetarian and vegan diets to the best of their knowledge and abilities.
• Nick’s kitchen does not claim to be health care professional, nutritionist, nor does it claims to treat any illness through vegan or vegetarian diet.
• If you have a medical condition,Nick’s kitchen recommend that you consult your health care professionals before changing your diet.
• Any changes that you make to your diet, and the results of those changes, are your decision and your responsibility.