Indian · serves 2

Keema Matar

Minced meat and peas. Works in a roll, on a pav, or with plain roti.

40 min Some work Non-vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 500g chicken or mutton mince
  • 1 cup peas
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 3 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp red chilli powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 4 tbsp oil

Method

  1. Brown the onions well in oil, 10 minutes.
  2. Ginger-garlic paste, then the mince on high heat. Break up every lump with the spatula.
  3. Fry until the mince changes colour and starts to catch on the pan — that browning is the flavour.
  4. Tomatoes, powders, salt. Cook till thick and the oil separates.
  5. Peas and 1/2 cup water, cover, 12 minutes.
  6. Garam masala, coriander, lemon.

Questions people ask about Keema Matar

How long does Keema Matar take?

About 40 minutes from starting to sitting down, and it is a bit of work. Most of that is active, so read the method through before you start rather than chopping as you go.

What can I use instead of mutton in Keema Matar?

Use chicken thighs, but halve the cooking time. Jackfruit works for a vegetarian version and holds up to long cooking.

Can I make Keema Matar ahead of time?

Yes, and it is better for it. Cool it fully, refrigerate for up to three days, and reheat gently with a splash of water. The flavours settle overnight.

Can I make Keema Matar vegetarian?

Yes. Replace the mutton with paneer, firm tofu, mushrooms or soya chunks. All of them cook far faster than meat, so add them in the last five minutes rather than at the start, and keep the masala exactly as written.

What do you serve with Keema Matar?

Roti or plain rice, with something sharp on the side: curd, pickle or sliced onion. It serves two as written. Double everything to feed four, but use a wider pan so the food still browns rather than steams.

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