Sasmita 
Chura Matar is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and healthy breakfast or snack. This traditional dish is from Uttar Pradesh, especially popular in Banaras (Varanasi). It is made with flattened rice (chura or poha) and fresh green peas (matar).
It’s a simple yet aromatic dish that showcases the rich flavors of North Indian spices. Unlike the usual poha recipes, Chura Matar is prepared without turmeric, giving it a distinct taste and appearance.
The Chura matar recipe starts with softened poha, which has to lightly rinsed to ensure it retains a fluffy texture. The green peas are sautéed in ghee or mustard oil along with cumin seeds, ginger, and green chilies, creating an aromatic base. A hint of black pepper adds warmth, while sugar balances the overall taste. Once everything combines, a handful of fresh coriander leaves add a refreshing final touch.
What makes Chura Matar special?
Well, the answer is its simplicity and comforting flavors. It is not just a dish but a reflection of Banaras’ rich culinary heritage, where minimal ingredients come together to create something wholesome and delicious.
Served hot, it pairs beautifully with masala chai or fresh curd, making it an ideal choice for breakfast or a light evening snack. Whether you’re looking for a quick, nutritious meal or craving something nostalgic, Chura Matar is a perfect way to enjoy the goodness of winter produce with a traditional North Indian twist.
Tips for the Best Chura Matar –
• Use thick poha: Thin poha may turn mushy. Thick poha holds its shape and texture better.
• Don’t over-soak the poha: Just rinse and drain. Letting it sit for a few minutes will ensure it stays fluffy.
• Fresh green peas work best: Since Chura Matar is a winter dish, fresh peas enhance the taste, but frozen peas can also be used.
• Adjust spices to taste: If you like it spicier, add a little red chili powder or more green chilies.
Why You’ll Love This Dish?
✔ Quick & Effortless – Ready in no time, perfect for busy days.
✔ Light Yet Nourishing – A wholesome, flavorful delight.
✔ No Onion, No Garlic Option – Easily transform it into a sattvic meal.
✔ Winter Special – A traditional delicacy bursting with the goodness of fresh peas.
Try this simple and delicious Chura Matar recipe and enjoy the authentic flavors of Uttar Pradesh in your kitchen! Let me know in the comments how it turned out for you. Happy cooking!
📖 RECIPE CARD
Chura Matar Recipe: A Delicious Winter Delight from Uttar Pradesh
Ingredients
- 1 cup flattened rice poha/chura
- 1 cup fresh green peas
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds jeera
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 medium onion finely sliced
- 2-3 whole red chilies
- ½ teaspoon black pepper powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh coriander leaves chopped
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Preparing the Chura (Poha)
- Take the flattened rice (poha) and rinse it lightly. Make sure not to over-soak it.
- Drain the water completely and let it sit for 10 minutes. This will soften the chura without making it mushy.
Step 2: Cooking the Green Peas
- Heat oil in a pan on medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, whole red chilies and let them splutter.
- Add finely chopped onions, and sauté for a few seconds.
- Now, add fresh green peas and sauté for 2–3 minutes until they turn soft and bright green.
Step 3: Bringing It All Together
- Add black pepper powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Lower the flame and add the softened poha (chura).
- Cover the pan and let it cook for 2 minutes on low flame.
- Turn off the heat, add fresh coriander leaves. Mix well.
- Serve and Enjoy !
Chura matar looks very tasty and inviting, perfect evening snack . My UP neighbour use to bring to park for kids and friends.
Love this Chura matar – a must make during winters at my place.. My friend from Lucknow taught me this and like her, I add a spoon of milk to the soaked poha..
Chura matar is one of my most favourite tea time snack. Your looks super tempting. A bowl full of this Chura matar is always a comforting delicious and filling dish.
Chura matar looks incredibly delicious . Lovely winter delicacy. The pan with chura matar is so tempting.
I had Chura Matar during my recent visit to Benaras, it was tasty. The good thing about it is it can be made as a quick serving dish. Looks delicious Sasmita.
The classic chura mattar recipe looks lovely. It is so easy to make it as well.
Chura matar looks and sounds perfect for our breakfast. I make this often in our homw without knowing that is a delicicay from Uttar Pradesh. This is simple and tasty.