Matar Paneer

Matar Paneer is a popular dish that combines green peas (matar) and paneer (Indian cottage cheese) in a flavorful tomato-based gravy.

Preparation Time: 20-25 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-65 minutes

Ingredients:

For Paneer:

  • 200g paneer, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon oil for shallow frying

For Gravy:

  • 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 large tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
  • 1/2 cup cashew nuts (soaked in warm water for 15 minutes)
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

Preparing Paneer:

  1. Cut the paneer into cubes.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat.
  3. Shallow fry the paneer cubes until they turn golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Making Gravy:

  1. In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee.
  2. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
  3. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
  4. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
  5. Add chopped tomatoes, tomato paste (if using), and cashew nuts. Cook until tomatoes are soft and oil starts to separate.
  6. Allow the mixture to cool and then blend it into a smooth paste using a blender or food processor.

Assembling Matar Paneer:

  1. Heat the same pan, add the blended tomato-cashew paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook the masala until it thickens and releases oil.
  2. Add green peas and cook for 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the shallow-fried paneer cubes and mix well.
  4. Add water to achieve the desired consistency of the gravy.
  5. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
  6. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Serve Matar Paneer hot with naan, roti, or rice and enjoy your delicious homemade Matar Paneer!