The humble puffed lotus seeds transformed into a royal treat
SERVES 6

Ingredients:

2 cup green peas
1 cup puffed lotus seeds
2 tsp butter
1 bay leaf
1 cinnamon stick
4 cloves
4 cardamoms
½ cup cashew nut paste
2 tsp ginger paste
½ cup chopped onion
1 cup well whisked yoghurt
Salt to taste
1 ½ tsp garam masala powder
½ tsp pepper powder
2 tsp sugar
4 tsp cream
½ cup water

For the tempering
1 tsp ghee
½ tsp red chili powder

Garnish
Chopped coriander leaves
Chopped cashew nuts
Raisins
Silver varak
Rose petals

Preparation Method:

1. Blanch the peas and parboil the puffed lotus seeds
2. Heat the butter in a kadhai and then add bay leaf, cinnamon, cardamoms and cloves. Saute till they start to crackle.
3. Add the ginger paste sauté well. Add the onions and fry well.
4. Add the cashew nut paste and sauté well till the oil separates.
5. Add the yoghurt, salt, pepper, sugar and garam masala powder.
6. Add the green peas, puffed lotus seeds and the water. Let the gravy simmer well.
7. Add the cream and check the seasoning.
8. For the tempering, heat the ghee; add the red chili powder and remove from heat. Pour over the gravy.
9. Serve hot garnished with coriander leaves, nuts, silver varak and rose petals.