If there’s one dish that perfectly captures the essence of Indian cuisine, it’s Matar Paneer. This delectable and wholesome curry brings together the goodness of green peas and soft paneer (Indian cottage cheese) in a rich and flavorful tomato-based gravy. Whether you’re a fan of Indian food or a newbie to its exotic flavors, Matar Paneer is a must-try dish that will leave you craving for more. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to create this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 200g paneer, cubed
- 2 large tomatoes, pureed
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 cup fresh cream (optional, for a richer gravy)
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (coriander leaves) for garnish
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil or ghee
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Preparation:
- If using frozen green peas, thaw them in warm water. If using fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes and then drain.
- Cut the paneer into bite-sized cubes and soak them in warm water to keep them soft.
- Sauté the Paneer:
- In a non-stick pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil or ghee over medium heat.
- Add the paneer cubes and lightly fry them until they turn golden brown on all sides. Remove them from the pan and set them aside.
- Prepare the Gravy:
- In the same pan, add the remaining oil or ghee. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
- Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chilies. Sauté for another 2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Spice it up:
- Lower the heat and add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Mix well and cook the spices for a minute to enhance their flavors.
- Tomato Puree:
- Add the tomato puree to the pan, season with salt, and stir everything together.
- Let the gravy simmer on low heat for 8-10 minutes, until the oil separates from the mixture.
- Add Green Peas and Paneer:
- Now, add the green peas and fried paneer cubes to the gravy. Mix them gently to coat with the sauce.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, add fresh cream at this stage and stir it in.
- Finishing Touch:
- Sprinkle garam masala over the dish for that final touch of flavor.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro leaves.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Your delicious Matar Paneer is now ready to be served! It pairs wonderfully with steamed basmati rice, naan, or roti.
Enjoy this classic Indian delight with family and friends, savoring the perfect blend of flavors and textures. Matar Paneer is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a dish that brings joy and warmth to your dining table. Happy cooking!
