Finding pleasure in old treasure
16 Jun, 2008. 15 Comments. Leave a comment
Sweet and spicy garden peas or Masala Mattar to complete your meal
I woke up with a splitting headache in Sussex countryside. That’s what living in central London gives you – a severe allergy to fresh air.
Sunday, I am told, is car boot sales day in the countryside. When one person’s clutter turns into another person’s treasure. No harm in getting stuck in for some new kitchen goodies, I thought.
Half an hour of sifting through dusty rubbish later, I came across a sweet square dish and inquired about its price.
“10p”, said the seller.
Not used to penny bargains, I blurted out: “Are you sure?”
To which he replied incredulously: “You want to pay more for that?”
I scurried off with the bowl and wondered what I would fill it with later. A morning at the car boot sale followed by a two-hour journey home meant no time to go food shopping. I would have to discover an old treasure in my crowded freezer.
Masala Mattar – sweet and spicy sauteed green peas – came to mind. Made with a bag of fresh frozen peas, this was the perfect side for our rump steak and sauteed potato dinner. Equally delicious with an Indian meal too.
Feeds 2:
- 250gm fresh frozen green peas
- 1 tsp whole cumin
- Half inch fresh ginger
- Pinch asafoetida
- Quarter tsp chilli powder
- 2 whole green chillies
- 1 tsp sunflower oil
- Salt to taste
Heat the oil in a frying pan and grate the ginger. When the oil is sizzling hot add the asafoetida, the whole cumin and the grated ginger.
Fry for about a minute until the ginger goes pale brown. Then stir in the frozen peas with the green chillies, red chilli powder and salt. Stir for two to three minutes until the peas are cooked and the water in the pan has evaporated.
Serve hot or cold as a side dish.
Perfect side dish or snack I think. And I love the square dish! I can’t believe you got it only for 10p. Great find.
mmm this sounds gorgeous! I love the spice combo! will definitely give it a go!
woke up with a splitting headache in Sussex countryside. That’s what living in central London gives you – a severe allergy to fresh air.
LOL Mallika… i am telling u this again “u r really funny” and that should be taken as compliment
and fresh mint sautee looks d-lish 
10p for that beauty? cool… reminds me its high time i went for some car boot sale
That sounds delicious! Congrats on your latest acquisition!
Ha ha! I can identify with being astounded at something that’s so inexpensive. And the peas look just like what we were used to as kids!
My son loves peas, so this’ll work beautifully. Maybe we could do this with carrots, corn, etc, as well. –Deepa
Nice dish…in multiple ways
I wish my hubby would let me buy stuff at garage sales 
Sounds like a great recipe for peas. Frozen peas are surprisingly good and much easier to come by than fresh peas. I look forward to giving this a try.
A pretty dish for 10p and a yummy side in 5 minutes! Rocking!
Going “cold Turkey” form breathing bad air everyday! ;D
10p!! Aren’t you lucky? I pay $7 for that here. Peas looks yum. 5 mins to make is even cooler!:)
That goodie I have this week at FH takes 3 hrs to make!!;p
Hilarious – to think dear namesake , that you’d even question a bargain ?! the peas look yummy -sadly though no fresh peas available now so shall have to make the dish with frozen ones .
I’m still laughing , mind you!
The dish is perfect. And so wonderful with peas. What great inspiration you had. Isn’t it wonderful to make such finds. Recently I found some dishes for 75c for the set.
even ilike green peas,,this recipe sure rocks…waitin for ur tehari post…:-)
A little award for you on my blog! Keep writing:)
Great snack!
Would go rocking with bhajias and farsan!
Happy blogging!