Authentic Matar Paneer Recipe: A Flavorful Indian Delight

Matar Paneer is a cherished North Indian dish that harmoniously combines soft paneer cubes with tender green peas in a rich, spiced tomato-based gravy. This vegetarian delight is a staple in Indian households and is often served with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice. Its creamy texture and aromatic spices make it a favorite among both adults and children.

Indian cottage cheese  – Paneer

Ingredients

To prepare this delectable Matar Paneer, gather the following ingredients:

• Paneer (Indian cottage cheese): 250 grams, cut into bite-sized cubes
• Green peas (matar): 1 cup, fresh or frozen
• Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
• Tomatoes: 2 medium-sized, pureed
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated
• Green chili: 1, finely chopped (optional, adjust to taste)
• Cashew nuts: 10-12, soaked in warm water for 15 minutes and blended into a smooth paste
• Cumin seeds: 1 teaspoon
• Turmeric powder: ½ teaspoon
• Red chili powder: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
• Coriander powder: 1½ teaspoons
• Garam masala: 1 teaspoon
• Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves): 1 teaspoon, crushed
• Fresh cream: 2 tablespoons (optional, for added richness)
• Oil or ghee: 2 tablespoons
• Salt: to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves: for garnishingAlso Read : 5-Step Sabudana Khichdi Recipe: A Perfect Fasting Delight

  

Instructions

1. Prepare the Paneer:

   • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat.
   • Add the paneer cubes and sauté until they turn golden brown on all sides.
   • Remove the paneer and place them in a bowl of warm water to keep them soft.

2. Cook the Aromatics:

   • In the same pan, add the remaining oil or ghee.
   • Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle until aromatic.
   • Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they become golden brown.
   • Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chili. Sauté for another minute until the raw smell disappears.

3. Prepare the Gravy:

   • Add the pureed tomatoes to the pan and cook until the mixture thickens and the oil starts to separate.
   • Stir in the cashew nut paste, mixing well to combine.
   • Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to blend into the gravy.

4. Combine Peas and Paneer:

   • Add the green peas to the gravy and cook until they are tender. If using frozen peas, this will take about 5 minutes.
   • Drain the paneer cubes from the warm water and add them to the pan.
   • Gently mix to ensure the paneer and peas are well-coated with the gravy.

5. Finalize the Dish:

   • Sprinkle garam masala and crushed kasuri methi over the curry. Stir well to incorporate .
   • If a richer consistency is desired, add fresh cream and mix thoroughly.
   • Adjust salt and spice levels according to taste.

6. Garnish and Serve:

   • Garnish the Matar Paneer with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
   • Serve hot with naan, roti, paratha, or steamed basmati rice.

Tips for the Perfect Matar Paneer

• Paneer Softness: Soaking the sautéed paneer in warm water helps maintain its softness and prevents it from becoming chewy.
• Cashew Paste: The addition of cashew paste imparts a creamy texture and subtle sweetness to the gravy.
• Spice Adjustment: Adjust the quantity of green chili and red chili powder to suit your heat preference.
• Kasuri Methi: This dried herb adds a unique flavor to the dish; however, it can be omitted if unavailable.
• Vegan Option: For a vegan version, substitute paneer with firm tofu and use plant-based cream or omit the cream entirely.

Nutritional Information

Matar Paneer is not only a flavorful dish but also offers nutritional benefits. Paneer is a good source of protein and calcium, essential for muscle building and bone health. Green peas add dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and antioxidants to the dish. However, the dish can be high in calories and fat, especially with the addition of cream and paneer. To make a healthier version, consider using low-fat paneer and reducing the amount of oil and cream used.

Variations of Matar Paneer

Matar Paneer can be adapted in various ways to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:

• Non-Creamy Version:

  Omit the cashew paste and cream for a lighter version of the dish.

• Spicy Version:

  Increase the amount of green chilies and red chili powder to add more heat