Generally speaking, most Iraqi savoury cuisine, or a major part of it anyway, is comprised of basmati rice with some stew.  The variations of stews or “Marag” is as diverse as the regional composition of this ancient piece of land and the options are endless.  You will find stews with vegetables that aren’t your day-to-day favourites, but somehow once cooked as part of an Iraqi stew with rice – taste incredible.  From okra, to eggplant, to fava or white beans the options are hugs; but one particular type (which you probably already guessed from the title) is the pea stew.  Surprisingly a hit with every kid that has tried it (mind-boggling to me given that it’s all about the green peas).  Try it, this is a really hearty stew with lots of flavour.

Time:

45 min

Serves:

4-6

Good for:

• Hearty warm stew
• Surprisingly kid approved
• Can easily be vegetarian (remove the meat)

Ingredients:

• 1 kg of green peas (frozen works just as well, defrost the night before)
• 1/3 kg of medium-sized cubed meat (remove this for a vegetarian option)
• 1 diced medium white onion
• 2 tbsp of Canola oil (or any oil you prefer)
• ½ a lemon
• 4 tbsp of tomato paste
• 2 cups of water
• Salt to taste

Kitchen things you’ll need:

• Medium saucepan

Making it:

• Wash then drain and pat dry the peas after defrosting
• Sautee on medium to high heat the dice onion until tender and then add the meat cubes with salt (and pepper if you like)
• Keep mixing for about 10min until the meat is cooked, add a little water (1/2 a cup) to avoid dry meat
• Add the tomato paste diluted in the 2 cups of water, squeezed lemon, and the peas to the pot until cooked for about 25min until a sauce is formed
• You can add more tomato paste if you feel the tomato sauce mixture is a little bland, if it is too intense add a little more water
• Serve with 1-1.5 cups of rice (drain, slightly salt, 1 tspn of oil, and cook)

Tips/notes:

• Most of this is to taste so add the tomato paste, lemon and salt based on how you like it (i.e. sour or a little milder)
• Feel free to add cubed carrots, or potatoes for additional flavour and texture
• Cooking time depends on your stove, so the suggested times are just guidelines, typically convection stove tops and gas cook faster than electric