Matar Paneer Recipe
Matar Paneer Recipe: As a housewife who loves to cook and experiment with different dishes, I am always on the lookout for new recipes to try out. One dish that has captured my heart and taste buds is Matar Paneer. This delicious North Indian dish has a rich and creamy texture, with a perfect balance of spices, and a flavor that will linger in your mouth for hours.
The aroma of the dish as it simmers on the stove is simply mouth-watering, and the soft, melted cheese in combination with the juicy, tender peas will have you coming back for more. The dish is a perfect comfort food that can be enjoyed on a cold winter day or as a main dish for a dinner party.
What is Matar Paneer?
Matar Paneer is a popular North Indian dish that is made with peas and cottage cheese (paneer) in a creamy tomato-based sauce. The dish is a vegetarian dish that is typically made with a combination of spices such as coriander, cumin, garam masala, and turmeric. The peas and paneer are simmered in the sauce until they are tender, and the dish is then garnished with fresh coriander leaves.
Variations of Matar Paneer
Matar Paneer with Coconut Milk: In this variation, coconut milk is added to the sauce to give the dish a rich and creamy texture. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy a more indulgent, creamy dish.
Matar Paneer with Cashews: This variation uses cashews to give the dish a nutty flavor and a creamy texture. The cashews are blended with the tomato sauce to create a rich and flavorful dish that is perfect for special occasions.
Matar Paneer with Kofta: In this variation, the paneer is formed into small balls and fried, and then added to the sauce to create a more filling and substantial dish. The kofta is perfect for those who enjoy a little bit of crunch in their dishes.
Matar Paneer with Tofu: For a vegan version of this dish, tofu can be used instead of paneer. The tofu is simmered in the sauce and provides a similar texture to the traditional dish.
Nutrition – Matar Paneer
Matar Paneer is a nutritious and delicious dish that is packed with protein and essential vitamins and minerals. The peas in the dish are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, while the paneer provides a source of protein. The dish is also low in calories, making it a great option for those who are watching their calorie intake.
Step by Step Matar Paneer Recipe
Matar Paneer Recipe
Ingredients
For making Matar Paneer Gravy
- 4 tbsp oil
- 8 black pepper
- 4 cloves
- 1 tsp Cumin (Jeera)
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ inch ginger
- 2 onions
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp Red Chilli Powder
- ½ tsp coriander powder
- 2 cups water
- 2 to Tomato
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp kasuri methi / dry fenugreek leaves
To sauté peas
- 2 tbsp butter, salted
- 1 cup Green peas
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 green chillies
To sauté cottage cheese / paneer
- ½ tbsp oil
- 400 paneer / cottage cheese
For garnishing
- coriander leaves / cilantro
Instructions
Preparation
- Assemble all ingredients together to avoid last minute rush.
- Wash and finely chop ginger, garlic, onions, tomatoes, coriander leaves and green chillies.
- Cut paneer into cubes
- Peel and wash fresh green peas.
Cooking
- Heat oil in a Kadai and add black pepper, cloves and cumin. Stir and then, add chopped garlic,
- ginger and cook till garlic starts to brown.
- Now, add chopped onions and sauté them.
- Add chilli powder, turmeric powder and coriander powder and salt.
- Then add chopped tomatoes and keep stirring for 10 mins more.
- Now, add 1 cup water and boil again. Let it cool down a bit.
- Transfer it to a Grinder or Blender and make it into a puree. In a Frying Pan, melt butter and add green peas and sauté them with salt and chopped green chillies.
- Cook for 2 mins and then add the puree and 1 cup water and let it boil.
- In another Frying Pan, heat oil and add paneer cubes and sauté them till they get browned.
- Now add the paneer cubes to the curry. You can add dried fenugreek leaves / kasoori methi at this point.
- At the end, garnish it with fresh chopped coriander leaves.
- Your Matar Paneer is ready to serve!
- You can serve it with naan, rotis, parathas or steamed rice.
Equipment Used for This Recipe
Notes & Tips
- Oil: You can choose any neutral tasting oil. I have use olive oil for this Matar Paneer Recipe.
- Spices: You can adjust spices and salt as per your taste preference.
- Kasoori Methi: If kasoori methi / dry fenugreek leaves are not available at your place, you can completely skip this step. However, kasoori methi adds flavor to the recipe.
- Fresh green peas: I recommend to choose fresh peas to prepare Matar Paneer. However, you can also choose frozen peas.
- Fresh tomatoes: You can also use readymade tomato puree.
- Ginger- Garlic: You can also choose ginger garlic paste if you are out of stock or these ingredients are not available at your place.
- Green Chillies: You can add or reduce green chillies if you like less spicy recipes.
- Ingredients & Equipment: Find these Ingredients & Equipment at specialty food stores or online stores. For review of some stores, please refer to the Grocery Review Section on our Website.
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
FAQs – Matar Paneer Recipe
What is Matar Paneer? Matar Paneer is a popular North Indian dish made with peas and paneer, a type of Indian cheese. It is typically prepared in a rich, spicy tomato-based sauce and is served with rice or flatbread. Matar Paneer is a vegetarian dish that is loved for its creamy texture and bold, flavorful taste.
What are the main ingredients in Matar Paneer?
The main ingredients in Matar Paneer are paneer cheese, peas, tomatoes, onions, spices, and cream. Fresh or frozen peas can be used, and paneer cheese can be purchased at an Indian grocery store or made at home.
Can Matar Paneer be made vegan?
Yes, Matar Paneer can be made vegan by using a vegan cheese substitute instead of paneer cheese. Tofu or seitan can be used as a substitute for a similar texture, and coconut cream can be used in place of regular cream for a similar richness and creaminess.
What are some variations of Matar Paneer?
There are several variations of Matar Paneer, including a creamy, tomato-based sauce or a spicier, masala-based sauce. Some recipes also call for the addition of cashews or almonds to the sauce for a richer, nuttier flavor.
How long does Matar Paneer keep in the fridge?
Matar Paneer can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To extend its shelf life, store it in an airtight container and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until it’s hot and fully heated through.
What are some tips to make the perfect Matar Paneer?
Here are a few tips to make the perfect Matar Paneer:
- Use fresh or frozen peas for the best flavor and texture.
- Cook the tomato-based sauce until it is thick and rich.
- Use high-quality, fresh spices for the best flavor.
- Cook the dish over medium heat to avoid burning the spices and to allow the flavors to fully develop.
- Add cream at the end of cooking for a creamy, rich texture.
What are some dishes to serve with Matar Paneer?
Matar Paneer is typically served with rice or Indian flatbreads, like roti or naan. It can also be served with quinoa or other grain dishes for a complete meal. This dish is also a popular choice for special occasions and is often served at festivals and celebrations in India.
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