Pakistani cuisine is known for its delicious, flavorful and aromatic dishes. One such dish is Keema Matar, which is a mouthwatering combination of ground beef or lamb (keema) and green peas (matar) cooked with a variety of spices. This dish is a popular and traditional food in Pakistan that is usually served with rice or naan bread. In this article, we will provide an overview of Keema Matar, its types, tips for making it, and a step-by-step recipe with a detailed description and pictures.



Overview:

Keema Matar is a rich and hearty dish that is packed with proteins, vitamins, and minerals. The combination of ground meat and peas provides a nutritious and balanced meal for the whole family. The dish is commonly cooked in a tomato-based sauce with a variety of spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, which give it a distinctive and delicious flavor. Keema Matar can be made with either beef or lamb, or even chicken, depending on your preference.

Types:

There are several variations of Keema Matar that you can try depending on your taste preferences. For instance, you can make a spicy version by adding more chili powder or green chilies. Alternatively, you can make a milder version by reducing the amount of spices used. Moreover, you can use frozen peas if fresh ones are not available, and you can also add potatoes to the dish for an extra dimension of flavor and texture.


Tips:

Here are some tips to help you make the perfect Keema Matar:

Use high-quality ground meat that is lean and fresh.

Make sure to thaw the peas before cooking.

Roast the spices before adding them to the dish to release their full flavor.

Cook the dish on low heat to allow the meat to cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the spices.

Garnish with fresh cilantro or mint leaves to enhance the flavor.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef or lamb

2 cups green peas

2 medium-sized onions, finely chopped

2 large tomatoes, chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 inch ginger, grated

2 green chilies, finely chopped

2 tsp cumin powder

2 tsp coriander powder

1 tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp red chili powder

1 tsp garam masala

Salt, to taste

2 tbsp cooking oil

Water, as needed

Fresh cilantro or mint leaves, chopped (for garnishing)

Instructions:

Heat the oil in a large pan and sauté the onions until they turn golden brown.

Add the garlic, ginger, and green chilies and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.

Add the ground meat and cook until it is browned and cooked through.

Add the tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.

Add the spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and salt) and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Add the green peas and a little bit of water (about 1/4 cup) and mix well.

Cover and simmer the dish on low heat for 15-20 minutes or until the peas are tender and the sauce has thickened.

Once done, garnish with fresh cilantro or mint leaves and serve hot with rice or naan bread

Description:

Keema Matar is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is simple to make and can be customized according to your taste preferences. This Pakistani classic has a unique blend of spices and herbs that create a delicious and satisfying meal. The key to making this dish is to ensure that the ground meat is cooked properly, and the peas are tender and have absorbed the flavors of the spices.

To begin, heat the oil in a large pan and add the chopped onions. Saute the onions until they turn golden brown. This will help to release the sweetness of the onions and add a depth of flavor to the dish. Next, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chilies. Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Once the onions and spices are cooked, add the ground meat to the pan. Use a wooden spoon or a spatula to break up the meat and cook it until it is browned and cooked through. This should take about 10-12 minutes. Be sure to stir the meat occasionally to ensure that it cooks evenly.

Once the meat is cooked, add the chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook the tomatoes until they become soft and mushy. This will create a rich and flavorful base for the dish. Next, add the spices - cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook the spices for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This will help to release the flavors of the spices and create a fragrant and aromatic base for the dish.

Next, add the green peas to the pan along with a little bit of water (about 1/4 cup). Mix well and cover the pan. Simmer the dish on low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the peas are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir the mixture occasionally to ensure that the peas cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the spices.

Once the dish is ready, garnish with fresh cilantro or mint leaves. This will add a burst of freshness and flavor to the dish. Serve hot with rice or naan bread.

Tables:

Here is a table that shows the nutritional information for a serving of Keema Matar:

Nutritional Information for Keema Matar

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)

Calories: 299

Total Fat: 17g

Saturated Fat: 5g

Cholesterol: 70mg

Sodium: 371mg

Total Carbohydrates: 14g

Dietary Fiber: 4g

Sugars: 5g

Protein: 24g

Conclusion:

Keema Matar is a traditional Pakistani dish that is both delicious and nutritious. This dish is packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy and satisfying meal for the whole family. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can easily make this dish at home and customize it to your taste preferences. So go ahead and try this recipe today and treat yourself to a delicious and flavorful meal!

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