Banarasi Chooda Matar Recipe: A Traditional Flavorful Snack from Varanasi

Banarasi Chooda Matar is a famous street food from Varanasi, loved for its unique taste and texture. You will often find people enjoying hot and flavorful Chooda Matar in the narrow lanes of the city. This dish, which resembles poha (flattened rice), is different in terms of taste and preparation. Made using thick poha and fresh green peas, it is a traditional breakfast in Uttar Pradesh, especially in Lucknow and nearby regions. It is similar to Kanda Poha but has its own special twist. You can enjoy it for breakfast or as an evening snack.

Ingredients for Chooda Matar

To prepare Banarasi Chooda Matar, you will need the following ingredients:

1 cup thick poha (flattened rice)
¼ cup milk
3 tbsp oil
1 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
1-inch ginger (finely chopped)
1 green chili (finely chopped)
5 cashews
½ cup fresh green peas
½ tsp sugar
4 tbsp water
½ tsp crushed black pepper
½ tsp garam masala
Salt to taste
1 tsp lemon juice
Finely chopped coriander leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Recipe for Banarasi Chooda Matar

Step 1: Prepare the Poha

Take thick poha (flattened rice) and rinse it thoroughly with water.
Add ¼ cup milk to the washed poha. You can also mix a little cream (malai) for extra richness.
Let the poha soak for about 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Sauté the Spices and Peas

Heat 3 tbsp oil in a pan.
Add cumin seeds (jeera) and a pinch of asafoetida (hing), letting them crackle.
Add chopped ginger, green chili, and cashews, and sauté until the cashews turn golden brown.
Now, add fresh green peas and sugar, and stir for 1 minute.
Pour 2 tbsp water and cover the pan, allowing the peas to soften and cook properly.

Step 3: Mix the Poha and Spices

Once the peas are cooked, add black pepper, garam masala, and salt.
Mix well so that all the spices blend evenly.
Now, add the soaked poha and mix everything gently.
Sprinkle 2 tbsp water over the poha and let it cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and add lemon juice for a tangy flavor.
Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
Your delicious Banarasi Chooda Matar is ready to serve!

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Chooda Matar with a hot cup of chai (tea).
It also tastes great with yogurt or pickle.
For extra crunch, top it with roasted peanuts or sev.

Variation: Crispy Chooda Matar

Another popular version of Chooda Matar is the crispy fried version, which is made without adding water.

How to Make Crispy Chooda Matar?

Use thick poha and fry it in oil until it turns crisp.
Fry green peas separately in hot oil until they become crunchy.
Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, green chilies, whole red chilies, and curry leaves, and sauté.
Mix the fried poha and peas with the seasoning and serve hot!

This crispy version is spicy, crunchy, and perfect as a tea-time snack.

Banarasi Chooda Matar is a must-try dish for those who love flavorful and light Indian breakfasts. Whether you enjoy the soft, mildly spiced version or the crispy, fried version, this dish is easy to make and incredibly delicious. It brings together the goodness of poha, green peas, and aromatic spices, making it a perfect comfort food for any time of the day.

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