Nimona
An authentic vegetarian recipe from Uttar Pradesh, India
Cook Time
30 mins
Servings
4 servings
Difficulty
EasyCategory
VegetarianIngredients
For 4 servings
400g Fresh green peas, shelled
200g Potatoes, peeled and cubed
120g Onion, finely chopped
150g Tomatoes, finely chopped
15g Ginger, grated
4piece Garlic cloves, minced
3piece Green chillies, finely chopped
35ml Mustard oil
1g Asafoetida (hing)
5g Cumin seeds
3g Turmeric powder
8g Coriander powder
5g Red chilli powder
3g Garam masala
7g Salt
20g Fresh coriander leaves
250ml Water
17 ingredients needed
💡 Pro Tip: Gather all ingredients before you start cooking for a smooth preparation process.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare this authentic dish
Coarsely grind 300 g of the fresh green peas in a blender or food processor with a splash of water — do not make a smooth paste; the texture should be rough and chunky. Keep the remaining 100 g peas whole.
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Heat mustard oil in a heavy-bottomed kadai over high heat until it smokes lightly. Reduce to medium heat. Add asafoetida and cumin seeds; let them splutter for 30 seconds.
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Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 6–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown.
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Add the grated ginger, minced garlic, and green chillies. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, mashing them lightly, until the oil begins to separate from the masala.
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Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, and red chilli powder. Stir well and cook the spices for 1–2 minutes.
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Add the cubed potatoes and stir to coat with the masala. Cook for 3 minutes.
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Add the coarsely ground pea paste and the whole peas. Mix everything together well. The coarse pea paste will thicken the curry naturally.
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Pour in 250 ml water, season with salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the curry has thickened to a semi-dry consistency.
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Sprinkle garam masala, stir gently, and cook uncovered for 2 more minutes. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or roti.
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Chef's Tips
Fresh green peas are essential for authentic nimona — frozen peas can be used in a pinch but the flavour will be less vibrant and sweet.
Coarsely grinding part of the peas is the defining technique of nimona; it creates a thick, textured gravy without any added thickener.
Mustard oil gives this dish its characteristic pungent, earthy flavour typical of UP cuisine — do not substitute with refined oil.
Nimona is a winter dish traditionally made when fresh peas are in season; the sweetness of fresh peas balances the heat of the chillies beautifully.
About This Dish
Nimona is a traditional vegetarian dish from Uttar Pradesh, India. This authentic recipe provides exact measurements for cooking 4 servings.
- Fresh green peas are essential for authentic nimona — frozen peas can be used in a pinch but the flavour will be less vibrant and sweet. - Coarsely grinding part of the peas is the defining technique of nimona; it creates a thick, textured gravy without any added thickener. - Mustard oil gives this dish its characteristic pungent, earthy flavour typical of UP cuisine — do not substitute with refined oil. - Nimona is a winter dish traditionally made when fresh peas are in season; the sweetness of fresh peas balances the heat of the chillies beautifully.
Category
Vegetarian
Cook Time
30 mins
Servings
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy