🧀 Matar Paneer – A Rich & Creamy Paneer Curry
A delicious and comforting Indian curry made with green peas (matar) and paneer (Indian cottage cheese) in a rich, spiced tomato-based gravy. A vegetarian favourite that pairs beautifully with naan, roti, or basmati rice.
⏱️ Preparation Time: 20–25 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 30–40 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 50–65 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
🧀 For the Paneer:
- 200g paneer, cubed
- 1 tbsp oil (for shallow frying)
🍅 For the Gravy:
- 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
- 1/2 cup cashew nuts (soaked in warm water for 15 minutes)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chilli powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
🔪 Step 1: Prepare the Paneer
- Cut the paneer into cubes.
- Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Shallow fry the paneer cubes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
🍛 Step 2: Make the Gravy
- In the same pan, heat 2 tbsp oil or ghee.
- Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add chopped tomatoes, tomato paste (if using), and cashew nuts.
- Cook until the tomatoes are soft and oil begins to separate.
- Let the mixture cool slightly, then blend to a smooth paste.
🍲 Step 3: Assemble Matar Paneer
- Return the blended paste to the pan over medium heat.
- Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt.
- Cook until the masala thickens and releases oil.
- Add green peas and cook for 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the fried paneer cubes.
- Add water to adjust the gravy consistency to your preference.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes to let the flavours combine.
🌿 Step 4: Garnish & Serve
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.
✅ Tips & Variations
- 🧈 Use ghee for a richer flavour.
- 🌶️ Adjust spice levels to your taste by modifying chilli powder and green chillies.
- 🍋 Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for extra brightness.
Enjoy your flavourful, restaurant-style Matar Paneer made right at home!
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