Green Peas Curry Kerala Style is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the essence of Kerala’s rich culinary heritage to our table. This curry combines fresh green peas with aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and spice that’s truly irresistible.
Ingredients
To craft the authentic Green Peas Curry Kerala Style, we rely on a harmonious blend of fresh ingredients and aromatic spices that bring out the true essence of Kerala cuisine. Below are the key ingredients categorized for clarity.
Fresh Green Peas
The star of our recipe is, without a doubt, the Fresh Green Peas. Their natural sweetness and tender texture create the perfect base for this curry.
- 2 cups fresh green peas (shell and wash thoroughly)
- Alternatively, 1 ½ cups frozen green peas (thawed)
Spices and Seasonings
The distinctive flavor of Kerala-style curry comes from the freshly ground and carefully selected spices; these bring depth and warmth to the dish.
| Spice/Seasoning | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon | For tempering |
| Cumin seeds | 1/2 teaspoon | Adds earthiness |
| Turmeric powder | 1/2 teaspoon | Provides color and subtle flavor |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon | Adjust to taste for heat |
| Garam masala | 1 teaspoon | Adds warmth and complexity |
| Curry leaves | 10-12 leaves | Fresh, adds authentic aroma |
| Salt | To taste | Enhances all flavors |
Vegetables and Aromatics
Aromatic vegetables elevate the curry’s flavor profile and contribute to its rich texture.
- 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
- 1 medium tomato, chopped (optional for subtle tanginess)
Coconut and Other Liquids
Creaminess and richness come from the coconut elements, essential in Kerala-style curries, along with liquids to balance consistency.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh grated coconut | ¾ cup | To be ground into a paste |
| Water | 1 to 1 ½ cups | To adjust curry consistency |
| Coconut milk | 1 cup | For creaminess and flavor |
| Oil (preferably coconut oil) | 2 tablespoons | For tempering and richness |
We start with fresh peas and seasoning that define the Kerala green peas curry. The coconut in its various forms rounds out the dish stunningly.
Equipment Needed
To prepare an authentic Green Peas Curry Kerala Style, having the right equipment streamlines our cooking process and helps us capture the rich flavors with precision. Here is a list of essential tools and their purposes for this recipe:
- Heavy-bottomed pan or kadai: We use this to sauté spices and simmer the curry evenly without burning.
- Blender or food processor: Essential for grinding grated coconut into a smooth paste or preparing spice blends.
- Measuring spoons and cups: Accurate measurement of spices and liquids ensures the curry balances flavors perfectly.
- Wooden spatula or spoon: Ideal for stirring ingredients gently, preserving the texture of green peas.
- Mixing bowl: For combining and holding ingredients before cooking.
- Knife and cutting board: To chop onions, garlic, and other aromatics finely and uniformly.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Heavy-bottomed pan/kadai | Sautéing spices and simmering curry |
| Blender/Food processor | Grinding coconut and spice blends |
| Measuring spoons/cups | Accurate measurement of ingredients |
| Wooden spatula/spoon | Gentle stirring without bruising peas |
| Mixing bowl | Combining ingredients before adding to pan |
| Knife and cutting board | Chopping aromatics precisely |
By arranging these tools beforehand, we ensure a smooth workflow while cooking our Green Peas Curry Kerala Style, letting the authentic flavors shine through every step.
Prep Work
Before we begin cooking our Green Peas Curry Kerala Style we need to carefully prepare our key ingredients. Proper prep work ensures the distinct flavors meld beautifully in this traditional dish.
Cleaning and Preparing the Peas
We start by selecting fresh green peas for vibrant color and sweetness. If using frozen peas, allow them to thaw completely for even cooking.
- Rinse the peas thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or impurities.
- Drain the peas well using a fine mesh strainer.
- If using fresh peas, shell them gently from the pods to avoid bruising.
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Select peas | Fresh or frozen (thawed), bright green, tender |
| Rinse | Cold running water, 1-2 minutes |
| Drain | Use fine mesh strainer, shake to remove excess water |
| Shell (fresh peas) | Gently remove peas from pods without pressing too hard |
Chopping Vegetables and Aromatics
The aromatics build the depth of our Kerala-style curry’s flavor profile. We prepare each element carefully for maximum fragrance and even cooking.
- Onions: Peel and finely chop for a mild sweetness.
- Garlic: Peel and mince finely to release aroma.
- Green chilies: Slit lengthwise to control spice intensity.
- Ginger: Peel and grate or mince finely for freshness.
Tip: Use a sharp knife and a stable cutting board to achieve uniform pieces. This aids in consistent cooking and flavor release.
| Ingredient | Preparation Method | Quantity (as per recipe) |
|---|---|---|
| Onions | Peel and finely chop | 1 medium |
| Garlic | Peel and mince | 4 cloves |
| Green chilies | Slit lengthwise | 2 |
| Ginger | Peel and finely grate or mince | 1-inch piece |
By organizing our vegetables and aromatics ahead of time, we ensure a smooth cooking process and a curry that embodies the rich, aromatic essence of Kerala cuisine.
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create an authentic Green Peas Curry Kerala Style that bursts with flavor and creamy texture. We will guide you through preparing the masala base, cooking the green peas, and finishing with rich coconut milk.
Preparing the Masala Base
- Heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
- Once hot, add 1 teaspoon mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds, and sauté for 15 seconds until aromatic.
- Toss in 10 curry leaves to release their flavor.
- Add the finely chopped aromatics:
- 1 medium onion (thinly sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 inch ginger (grated)
- 2 green chilies (slit lengthwise)
- Sauté the mixture until the onions turn golden brown, approximately 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in the dry spices:
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Cook the spices gently for about 2 minutes, stirring continuously to avoid burning and to release their full aroma.
Cooking the Green Peas
- Add 2 cups of fresh or thawed green peas to the masala base.
- Stir well to coat the peas evenly with the aromatic mixture.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of water to facilitate cooking.
- Cover the pan with a lid and simmer the peas for 8–10 minutes on low heat until tender but not mushy.
- Occasionally check and stir gently to prevent sticking and burning on the pan base.
Adding Coconut and Simmering
- Add 3/4 cup of freshly grated coconut to the cooked peas and mix thoroughly.
- Pour in 1 cup of coconut milk, stirring gently to combine all ingredients.
- Season with salt to taste, approximately 1 teaspoon.
- Let the curry simmer uncovered on low heat for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Turn off the heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves if desired.
| Step | Ingredient/Action | Time/Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Masala Base Preparation | Coconut oil, mustard seeds, cumin, curry leaves, aromatics, spices | 2 tbsp oil, 1 tsp mustard, 1/2 tsp cumin, 10 curry leaves, 5–7 min sauté |
| Cooking Green Peas | Green peas, water | 2 cups peas, 1/2 cup water, 8–10 min simmer |
| Adding Coconut & Final Simmer | Grated coconut, coconut milk, salt | 3/4 cup coconut, 1 cup milk, 1 tsp salt, 5 min simmer |
Directions to Serve
Serving the Green Peas Curry Kerala Style correctly enhances its rich flavors and showcases the authentic Kerala culinary tradition. Let us explore the best ways to present this vibrant dish for maximum enjoyment.
Traditional Serving Suggestions
- Serve the Green Peas Curry Kerala Style hot alongside steaming white rice or fluffy Kerala red rice to complement the creamy texture and aromatic spices.
- Pair with classic Kerala sides like appams, puttu, or chappatis for a versatile meal experience.
- Garnish the curry with freshly chopped coriander leaves to add a refreshing, herbaceous note that contrasts beautifully with the coconut milk richness.
- A small bowl of spicy Kerala-style pickle or papadam can be served on the side to introduce a crisp, tangy element.
- To elevate the experience, offer a serving of plain yogurt or raita to balance the spices with a cooling touch.
| Serving Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Rice | Steaming white rice or Kerala red rice |
| Breads | Appams, puttu, chappatis |
| Garnish | Fresh coriander leaves |
| Side accompaniments | Kerala-style pickle, papadam |
| Cooling contrast | Plain yogurt or raita |
“The true essence of our Green Peas Curry Kerala Style comes alive when paired with traditional Kerala staples.”
By following these serving directions, we ensure every bite delivers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures unique to Kerala’s coastal cuisine.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
To maintain the vibrant flavors and creamy texture of Green Peas Curry Kerala Style, proper make-ahead and storage techniques are essential. Here, we share practical tips that help preserve the dish’s authentic taste and ensure convenience for busy days.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the curry a day in advance. The flavors deepen overnight as the spices and coconut milk infuse more thoroughly into the green peas.
- Store the curry in an airtight container once cooled to room temperature to prevent the aroma from dissipating.
- For faster meal prep, chop and measure all aromatics and spices ahead of time. Keep these in sealed small containers in the refrigerator.
- If you want to reduce cooking time on the day of serving, partially cook the peas and prepare the masala base separately; then combine and finish cooking just before eating.
Storage Guidelines
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days | Cool completely before storing |
| Freezer | Up to 1 month | Use freezer-safe airtight containers |
| Room Temperature | Not recommended | May spoil quickly due to coconut content |
- When refrigerating, allow the curry to cool naturally to avoid condensation inside the container.
- Before reheating, stir the curry gently and add a splash of water or fresh coconut milk to restore creaminess, as it tends to thicken in the fridge.
- When freezing, divide the curry into individual portions to thaw only what is needed, preventing repeated freezes.
- Avoid storing the curry at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to the risk of spoilage from the coconut milk.
Reheating Instructions
- Reheat the curry on low to medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Microwave reheating can be done but pause halfway to stir and evenly warm the curry.
- Add a teaspoon of water or coconut milk if it appears too thick after reheating.
- Avoid boiling the curry vigorously to protect the delicate flavors and texture.
“Proper storage and reheating preserve the fresh taste and creamy texture, making our Green Peas Curry Kerala Style equally delicious even days after preparation.”
By following these Make-Ahead and Storage Tips, we ensure our curry retains its rich aroma and velvety consistency—ready to enjoy anytime without compromising Kerala’s authentic flavors.
Conclusion
Green Peas Curry Kerala Style is a wonderful way to bring the flavors of Kerala into our kitchens. Its creamy texture and aromatic spices create a comforting dish that’s both simple and satisfying. With a little preparation and the right ingredients, we can easily recreate this authentic curry at home.
Whether served with rice or traditional Kerala breads, it’s a versatile dish that fits any meal. Keeping a few storage tips in mind ensures we can enjoy its fresh taste even on busy days. This curry truly celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Kerala in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key ingredients in Green Peas Curry Kerala Style?
The main ingredients include fresh green peas, mustard seeds, cumin, garam masala, onions, garlic, green chilies, ginger, grated coconut, and coconut milk. Fresh coriander is used for garnishing.
What equipment do I need to prepare this curry?
You need a heavy-bottomed pan, blender, measuring tools, wooden spatula, mixing bowl, knife, and cutting board for preparing and cooking the curry effectively.
How do I prepare the green peas for the curry?
Clean fresh peas thoroughly or thaw frozen peas before cooking. This ensures they are ready to absorb flavors and cook evenly in the curry.
What is the cooking process for Green Peas Curry Kerala Style?
Start by sautéing mustard seeds, cumin, curry leaves, and aromatics. Add green peas, then coconut and spices. Simmer until cooked, finish with coconut milk, and garnish with coriander.
Which dishes pair well with this curry?
Serve hot with white rice or Kerala red rice. It also goes well with appams, puttu, chappatis, spicy Kerala pickle, papadam, and a side of yogurt or raita.
Can I make this curry in advance?
Yes, prepare it a day ahead to deepen the flavors. Store in an airtight container refrigerated, or freeze for longer storage.
How should I reheat the Green Peas Curry?
Reheat gently on low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess and prevent burning. Add a little water or coconut milk if needed.
How long can I store the curry?
Refrigerated, it lasts 3-4 days. Frozen, it can keep up to 2 months. Always use airtight containers for best freshness.