Masala Bread Mattar.

“Masala Bread Mattar” … the next time in place of preparing the same old upma/ crumbs/ croutons etc. with leftover bread slices try out this spicier version snack of the same with addition of masala and if you need more quantity of bread slices do not hesitate to go and buy a loaf, you will definitely not regret it, once you taste this one ... tastes delicious and is sure to be loved by all … Yummilicious …

** Bread usli/ upma is a simple and common snack which is usually prepared with a collection of leftover bread slices. However, in homes were bread is rarely brought, the same is bought to prepare either sandwiches or upma by itself and the fresh bread really tastes wonderful unlike stale ones.

** I have already shared bread usli/ upma in a few variations before and will be sharing more as I love experimenting with them in different ways. Bread is not only user friendly but also versatile and blends well in dishes. There is upma, bondas, dosa, sandwiches, toasts, tava fry, croutons, crumbs, Oh! the list is endless.

** Today I am sharing a slightly different but nevertheless very tasty spicier version of bread which I named as Masala Bread Mattar. In Mumbai we gets loads of fresh peas when its in season (winter) and I make the best use of them in various dishes. Tried out this twist on the otherwise simple upma and it tastes excellent, do try out.

** Here is my own recipe for “Masala Bread Mattar” … My Style …

** Cut about 8 slices of bread to one inch sized cubes, put in a bowl, sprinkle some milk/ doodh, pinch of salt, mix well to evenly coat and keep aside ready. 

** Peel off the outer skin of one medium sized carrot/ gajjar and grate it on a large sized grater and keep it aside to be added on later.

** Shell green peas/ vatana about ½ cup and cook either in mw or in a pan adding little bit of water till 75% cooked. Remove and keep this aside ready too.

** Note : If using frozen peas you can just rinse them and add on after the tomato is cooked as mentioned below as they are pre-cooked.

** Heat 1 tblsp oil (tela/ tel)+ 1 tblsp ghee (toop) in a pan, add ½ tsp jeera (cumin seeds), ½ tsp sasam (mustard seeds/ rai) and when it begins to splutter add about 5-7 fresh karbevu (kadipatta/ curry leaves) and fry for a second.

** Lower the heat to medium and add and 3-4 finely chopped losun (garlic cloves/ lehsun) and fry for a minute or two then add in one large sized finely chopped onion (pivay/ kanda) and continue to fry till it turns translucent.

** Lower heat to minimum, add ¼ tsp haldi powder (turmeric), 2 tblsp malvani masala powder, ½ tsp of goda masala powder, fry a bit and add one large sized chopped tomato, mix well and cook covered on low heat for few minutes.

** Note : I have added malvani masala powder which gives excellent results, however, you can add chole/ curry or pav bhaji masala powder too. As for goda masala powder, the same can be replaced by normal garam masala powder.

** When the tomato is cooked soft, crush it slightly with the spatula and then add salt (namak/ meeta) to taste, cooked green peas, grated carrot and mix well. Cover and cook for another 2 minutes so that the carrots get cooked a bit.

** Add the prepared and kept bread and mix well till all the masala evenly coats the pieces. If too dry, sprinkle some water and mix well. Cook covered stirring often till all the ingredients are well blended and cooked to a soft but dry consistency.

** Garnish with handful of finely chopped coriander leaves (dhania/ kottambari pallo), I did not have any, so I could not add them. You can also add on a few roasted/ fried cashew nuts and mix well before serving too it tastes great.

** “Masala Bread Mattar” is done and ready to be served. Tastes best served hot immediately when prepared for breakfast or evening tiffin. Actually, you can relish it anytime when you want to take a break for getting refreshed having a snack.

** Bread is available easily universally and the same snack can be prepared with any type of bread slices available in your vicinity and it tastes equally good. You can also increase the spice level if desired, though for a snack this is sufficient.

** Next time in place of preparing the same old upma/ crumbs/ croutons with leftover bread slices try out this snack and if you need more quantity of bread slices do not hesitate to buy a loaf, you will definitely not regret it, once you taste this one.