Peranakan-style Pea Dish

Ingredients

In the Peranakan-style Pea Dish, we incorporate Peranakan spices such as turmeric, lemongrass, and galangal to infuse the dish with the unique flavors of this cuisine. Additionally, we use coconut milk to add a creamy element and tamarind paste for a tangy twist, which are not typically found in the original Romanian version. We alse have the original recipe for Mâncare de mazăre, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) peas 2 cups (400g) peas
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
• 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal, sliced 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal, sliced
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro or mint leaves, for garnish Fresh cilantro or mint leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 6g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and golden.
2. 2.
   Stir in the turmeric powder, lemongrass, and galangal. Cook for a minute to release the flavors.
3. 3.
   Add the peas to the pan and stir well to coat them with the spices.
4. 4.
   Pour in the coconut milk and tamarind paste. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the peas are tender and the sauce has thickened.
6. 6.
   Season with salt to taste.
7. 7.
   Remove the lemongrass stalk and galangal slices before serving.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro or mint leaves.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — Bruise the lemongrass stalk by lightly pounding it with a rolling pin or the back of a knife. This helps release its aromatic oils and flavors into the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a small amount of chopped chili or chili flakes.
• For a heartier meal, serve the Peranakan-style Pea Dish with steamed rice or crusty bread.
• Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers for added color and texture.
• Adjust the amount of tamarind paste according to your taste preference for a more or less tangy flavor.
• To make the dish more indulgent, you can substitute coconut milk with coconut cream for a richer sauce.

Serving advice

Serve the Peranakan-style Pea Dish as a main course accompanied by steamed rice or as a side dish to complement a larger Peranakan feast. It pairs well with other Peranakan dishes such as Ayam Buah Keluak or Beef Rendang.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or mint leaves to add a pop of color. Serve it in a vibrant Peranakan-style bowl or plate to enhance the visual appeal.