Gather Your Ingredients
To begin this culinary adventure, you will need a handful of essential ingredients. Start with 1 cup of green peas (matar), which forms the heart of the cutlets.
You'll also need 2 medium-sized boiled potatoes, providing a binding agent and adding to the texture. For the spices, gather 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder for a touch of heat, 1/2 teaspoon of coriander powder for a fragrant aroma, and 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder for its color and health benefits. Don't forget 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala to enhance the flavors, and salt to taste. You'll also require a small amount of oil for shallow frying and 1 tablespoon of finely chopped coriander leaves for garnish, adding freshness and visual appeal to your finished cutlets.
Prepare the Matar Mixture
The next step involves preparing the flavorful filling. First, in a saucepan, bring water to a boil and add the green peas. Cook them until they become tender, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain the water and let the peas cool down slightly. In a bowl, mash the boiled potatoes thoroughly. Add the cooked and slightly cooled green peas to the mashed potatoes. Now, add all the spices: red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix all the ingredients well, ensuring that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This careful mixing ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor, setting the foundation for the perfect cutlet.
Shape the Cutlets
Now, it's time to shape these savory delights. Take a portion of the mixture and shape it into small, round, or oval patties. Ensure the cutlets are of uniform size so they cook evenly. This step demands some care to prevent them from breaking during frying. As you form the cutlets, try to make them around 1/2 inch thick, which helps ensure a crispy exterior and a well-cooked interior. Keep shaping the cutlets until you have used up all the mixture. This will lead to a batch of delicious cutlets ready to be fried. The uniform size and shape will also make the frying process more manageable.
Shallow Fry the Cutlets
The final stage involves shallow frying the cutlets to achieve their desired crispiness. Heat oil in a flat frying pan or a shallow pan over medium heat. Carefully place the shaped cutlets into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the cutlets on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. It is crucial to maintain a medium heat to achieve a crispy exterior without burning them. Once golden brown on both sides, take them out with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with absorbent paper towels to drain excess oil. The golden color signifies that the cutlets are perfectly cooked and ready to be served.
Serve and Enjoy!
The culmination of your efforts is the moment to savor these delicious cutlets. Garnish the cutlets with finely chopped coriander leaves for an appealing finish. These crispy matar cutlets can be served hot with your favorite chutneys, such as mint chutney or tamarind chutney. They make an excellent snack with tea, or a starter at any meal. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and flavorful blend of spices with every bite. The joy of these cutlets comes not only from their taste but also from the satisfaction of creating them from scratch.
