Carrot Peas Recipe – Easy Indian Veggie Side Dish

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Carrot Peas Recipe – Easy Indian Veggie Side Dish

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a simple, comforting, and flavorful Indian side dish, you have to try this Carrot Peas recipe (Gajar Matar). It’s a classic for a reason – it’s quick to make, packed with nutrients, and tastes amazing with roti, paratha, or even alongside a simple dal and rice. I remember making this for the first time when I was just starting to learn to cook, and it quickly became a family favorite. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Gajar Matar is more than just a veggie side. It’s a little burst of sunshine on your plate! It’s wonderfully versatile, super easy to customize to your spice preference, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies – even picky eaters love it!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Carrot Peas dish:

• 4-5 medium-sized carrots
• 1 cup green peas
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 inch ginger
• 1-2 green chilies (adjust to your spice level!)
• 0.5 teaspoon red chili powder
• 0.25 teaspoon garam masala
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 0.5 cup water (about 120ml)
• 3 tablespoons coriander leaves, for garnish
• Salt, as needed

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Carrots: Choosing the Right Variety
I prefer using the regular orange carrots for this recipe, but you can absolutely use other varieties like purple or yellow carrots for a fun twist! Just make sure they’re firm and fresh.

Green Peas: Fresh vs. Frozen
Fresh green peas are amazing when in season, but frozen peas work perfectly well and are super convenient. No need to thaw them before adding to the pan.

Cumin Seeds: The Importance of Freshness
Cumin seeds lose their flavor quickly, so try to use fresh ones. Give them a little crush between your palms before adding them to the hot oil – it really wakes up their aroma!

Garam Masala: Regional Variations & Homemade Blends
Garam masala blends vary from region to region in India. Feel free to use your favorite brand, or even make your own! A homemade blend adds a lovely personal touch.

Oil: Best Oils for Indian Cooking
I usually use vegetable oil or sunflower oil for this recipe. You can also use mustard oil for a more authentic, pungent flavor – just be mindful of its strong taste.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, peel, rinse, and chop your carrots into about 0.5-inch pieces. Not too big, not too small – just right!
2. Heat the oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and let them splutter. This usually takes just a few seconds.
3. Now, add the finely chopped ginger and green chilies. Sauté for a minute or so, until the raw aroma disappears. This is key for building flavor!
4. Add the chopped carrots and green peas to the pan. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Sprinkle in the salt and red chili powder. Add ½ cup (120ml) of water, stir well, cover the pan, and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes.
6. Check on it occasionally. If the veggies start to stick to the pan, add a splash more water.
7. Continue cooking until the carrots are tender and all the water has evaporated. You want them to be soft but still hold their shape.
8. Finally, sprinkle in the garam masala and mix well. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

And that’s it! Your Carrot Peas are ready to enjoy.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you’re making a large batch, cook in two batches to ensure the veggies sauté properly.
• Adjust the amount of green chilies to your liking. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with just one.
• For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of ghee (clarified butter) at the end.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Adaptation
This recipe is naturally vegan! Just ensure your garam masala doesn’t contain any animal-derived ingredients.

Spice Level Adjustment (Mild, Medium, Spicy)
* Mild: Omit the green chilies and reduce the red chili powder to ¼ teaspoon.
* Spicy: Add an extra green chili or increase the red chili powder to ¾ teaspoon. My friend, Priya, loves it extra spicy!

Quick Weeknight Version
Use pre-chopped carrots and frozen peas to cut down on prep time.

Festival Adaptation (Holi, Diwali)
During festivals, my mom would add a pinch of turmeric powder for a vibrant color and extra flavor. It’s a lovely touch!

Serving Suggestions

Carrot Peas is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

• Serve hot with roti or paratha.
• Enjoy as a side dish with dal and rice.
• It’s also delicious with jeera rice (cumin rice).

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use frozen carrots in this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be aware that frozen carrots might release a bit more water, so you might need to cook for a slightly longer time.

How can I make this dish less spicy?
Reduce or omit the green chilies and red chili powder. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the heat.

What is the best way to serve Carrot Peas?
It’s fantastic with Indian breads like roti or paratha, or as a side with rice and dal.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Potatoes, cauliflower, or beans would all be delicious additions.

How do I adjust the cooking time for different stoves?
Cooking times can vary. Just check the carrots for tenderness – they should be easily pierced with a fork.

What is Garam Masala and where can I find it?
Garam masala is a blend of warming spices commonly used in Indian cuisine. You can find it in most Indian grocery stores or online.