UP Nimona Green Peas Mash Spiced Spinach Varanasi Winter

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh green peas — shelled (frozen works but fresh is far superior when available)
• 100g fresh spinach — roughly chopped
• 2 green chillies — finely chopped
• 1 medium onion — finely chopped
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tbsp oil or ghee
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/4 tsp asafoetida
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/4 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 cup water
• Salt
• Fresh coriander and lemon

Method

1. Blend or coarsely mash 1 cup of the fresh peas to a rough paste — leave visible pea pieces.
2. This is what gives nimona its characteristic thick yet textured consistency.
3. Heat 2 tbsp oil or ghee in a pan. Add cumin — sizzle. Add asafoetida.
4. Add finely chopped onion. Cook on medium for 6 minutes until golden.
5. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chillies. Cook 2 minutes.
6. Add turmeric and coriander powder. Cook 1 minute.
7. Add chopped spinach. Toss and cook 3 minutes until wilted.
8. Add the mashed pea paste and whole peas. Stir well.
9. Add 1/2 cup water. Simmer covered on medium for 8 to 10 minutes.
10. Add garam masala and salt. Garnish with coriander and lemon.