Chooda/Cheevda/Poha Matar (Fried Flattened Rice Flakes with Spicy Stir-fried Peas)

Chooda/Cheevra/Poha (Flattened Rice Flakes) and Matar (Green Peas) is a Varanasi/Banarasi snack often relished during the winter season. The crispiness of fried flattened rice flakes is a good compliment to the soft texture of  cooked green peas. Poha-Matar is a perfect combination but can be enjoyed individually as well.

This is my first encounter with it as a chef. Until now, I was only interested in how it tasted and not how it was made. Having Mom come stay with you has many benefits including having the opportunity to learn interesting recipes from her, especially the ones that you grew up eating. Thanks, Mom! Here goes the recipe:

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

For the Poha:
1. Poha (Flattened rice flakes)
2. Mustard seeds
3. Cumin seeds
4. Oil
5. Salt

For the Spicy Peas
1. Peas, frozen, 4 cups,
2. Salt
3. Turmeric powder
4. Red chili powder
5. Oil
6. Heeng


Directions:

For the Poha:
1. Heat a non-stick wok.
2. Add oil generously.
3. Add mustard seeds and let it crackle.
4. Add cumin seeds and let it sizzle.
5. Add dried Rice Flakes.
6. Fry on medium heat until it becomes crispy and changes colour.
7. Add salt to taste.

For the Peas:
1. Heat a non-stick wok.
2. Then add olive or canola oil.
3. Add mustard seeds and heeng let the seeds crackle.
4. Add cumin seeds and let it sizzle.
5. Add about 1 heaping tsp of turmeric powder and then the peas.
6. Mix well.
7. Cook uncovered on medium-high heat for about 5-7 mins.
8. Add Red chili powder and Salt then mix.
9. Cook covered  until all peas are cook thoroughly.

Serve with Chai by itself or as an accompaniment to the Poha.