Matar Karanji Hand Pies

Ingredients-

For the filling-

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 medium red onion, diced fine
• ½ inch fresh ginger, peeled and grated or 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• ½ teaspoon red chili powder (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon garam masala
• 1 cup frozen green peas, defrosted
• Salt to taste
• Juice of ½ lime
• Handful of cilantro/ coriander leaves, chopped

For the covering-

• 12 ounce Pillsbury Grands Jr. refrigerated buttermilk flavored, flaky biscuit dough

• ½ cup grated Mexican blend cheese

• For the egg wash- 1 egg beaten with a tablespoon of water (optional)

To make the Matar karanji Hand Pies

1. In a pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and stir fry it until it is translucent, about 1~2 minutes. Add the grated ginger and garlic and stir for another minute. Add the turmeric, chili and garam masala powders and give it a quick stir to bring out their fragrance.
2. Add the defrosted green peas and stir for a minute. Add the salt and fry for another minute. Turn heat down to low, cover the pan and let the mixture cook for about 2 minutes.
3. Remove lid, add the lime juice and the chopped cilantro/ coriander leaves, stir well and remove from heat. Set aside to cool.
4. Separate the biscuit dough. Taking one piece at a time, on a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 6 inches in diameter. Repeat with the other nine pieces.
5. Divide the filling and the grated cheese into 10 parts each.
6. For each karanji or hand pie, place the green pea filling in the center, top with cheese and fold the karanji, pinching the edges together. Make a decorative edge by hand or seal the edges with tines of a fork.
7. Transfer to a greased baking tray or a baking tray lined with a silicone baking sheet. Repeat with the other karanjis/ handpies. Brush them with the egg wash, if using, and bake in a preheated 400 degree Fahrenheit oven for 8~10 minutes or until baked and golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and serve with green chutney and/ or spicy ketchup.