Matar Paneer is a popular North Indian dish made with green peas (matar) and paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a creamy tomato-based gravy. Here’s a recipe to make Matar Paneer:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 200 grams paneer, cubed
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 cup fresh cream or yoghurt (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Chopped cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat oil or ghee in a pan or kadhai over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute or until the raw smell disappears.
- Add tomato puree and cook for 2-3 minutes until the oil separates from the mixture.
- Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala, cumin powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a minute to roast the spices.
- Add green peas and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add paneer cubes and gently mix them with the gravy. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- If using fresh cream or yoghurt, add it at this stage and mix well. This step is optional and adds creaminess to the dish.
- Cover the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the peas are cooked and the flavours have melded together. If needed, you can add a little water to adjust the consistency of the gravy.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro leaves.
Your delicious Matar Paneer is now ready to be served! It pairs well with roti, naan, or steamed rice. This creamy and flavorful dish is loved by both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Enjoy!
