Peas with Parsley & Coconut

6 servings

This Gujarati, India dish is normally made with fresh peas and chinese parsley (cilantro).

• 1 cup coconut, freshly grated
• 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 each hot green chiles, minced
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 Tablespoons dry roasted sesame seeds,
     coarsely ground
• 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 3 10 oz. packages frozen peas
• 4 Tablespoons margarine or butter

In a bowl, mix together the coconut, parsley, green chile, salt, sugar, sesame seeds, and black pepper. Rub with your hands to mix thoroughly.

Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a heavy pan. Add the peas; bring to a boil again. Cover and cook 2 minutes. Empty the peas into a colander and drain away the water.

Melt the margarine in the same pot over low flame. Add the peas and stir them around in the margarine. Add the coconut-parsley mixture and mix gently. Cover the pot and steam the peas on very low heat for about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir once or twice as the peas steam.

Bon appetit!