Matar Paneer Recipe: A Delicious North Indian Dish

RecipeZee
5 Min Read
Matar Paneer served with naan and rice on a plate"

Matar Paneer recipe is a popular vegetarian dish from North India made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and peas cooked in a spiced tomato-based gravy. It’s a perfect blend of creamy and tangy flavors and is commonly served with naan, roti, or rice. Here’s an easy-to-follow, informative recipe to make delicious Matar Paneer at home.

Ingredients:

  • Paneer (cottage cheese): 250g, cubed
  • Green peas (matar): 1 cup (fresh or frozen)
  • Tomatoes: 2 large, finely chopped
  • Onions: 2 medium, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 5-6 cloves, minced
  • Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated
  • Green chilies: 2, finely chopped
  • Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp
  • Coriander powder: 1 tsp
  • Red chili powder: 1/2 tsp (adjust to taste)
  • Garam masala: 1/2 tsp
  • Cumin seeds: 1 tsp
  • Bay leaf: 1
  • Cashew paste: 2 tbsp (optional, for creaminess)
  • Fresh cream: 2 tbsp (optional, for richness)
  • Oil or ghee: 2 tbsp
  • Water: 1 to 1.5 cups
  • Salt: to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves: for garnishing

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prep the Ingredients:
  • Cube the paneer into bite-sized pieces.
  • If using fresh peas, boil them in water for 5 minutes or until soft. If using frozen peas, let them thaw.
2. Fry the Paneer (Optional):
  • Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan.
  • Lightly fry the paneer cubes until golden brown. This step enhances the texture of the paneer but is optional. Set the fried paneer aside.
3. Prepare the Masala (Spice Base):
  • Heat oil or ghee in a large pan or kadhai.
  • Add cumin seeds and bay leaf. Allow the cumin seeds to crackle.
  • Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
  • Add ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Sauté until the raw aroma fades.
Homemade Matar Paneer with peas and paneer cubes in a spiced tomato gravy
4. Make the Tomato Gravy:
  • Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
  • Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, and red chili powder. Cook until the oil separates from the masala, indicating it’s well-cooked.
  • If you want a creamier texture, add cashew paste and stir well.
5. Cook the Matar (Peas):
  • Add the boiled or thawed peas to the tomato mixture. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes.
6. Add Paneer:
  • Add the paneer cubes to the gravy and gently mix them into the masala.
  • Pour 1 to 1.5 cups of water, depending on the consistency you prefer (thicker or thinner gravy).
  • Simmer the curry for about 5-7 minutes to allow the paneer to absorb the flavors.
7. Season and Garnish:
  • Add garam masala and salt to taste.
  • If using, add fresh cream to give the gravy a rich and smooth texture.
  • Turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

Serving Suggestions:

Matar Paneer is best enjoyed with:

  • Indian bread: Naan, roti, chapati, or paratha.
  • Rice: Plain basmati rice, jeera rice (cumin rice), or pulao.

Tips for Perfect Matar Paneer:

  • Paneer Texture: If you prefer softer paneer, soak the fried paneer cubes in warm water for 5-10 minutes before adding them to the curry.
  • Consistency: Adjust the gravy thickness by controlling the amount of water you add.
  • Creaminess: Cashew paste and cream are optional but can elevate the richness of the dish.
  • Spices: Adjust the spice levels by adding more or less green chili and red chili powder.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 250-300 (approx.)
  • Protein: 12-15g
  • Fat: 15-18g
  • Carbohydrates: 15-20g

Here’s the nutritional information for Matar Paneer in table format:

NutrientPer Serving (Approx.)
Calories250-300 kcal
Protein12-15g
Fat15-18g
Carbohydrates15-20g
Dietary Fiber3-5g
Saturated Fat8-10g
Cholesterol25-30mg
Sodium400-450mg
Calcium200-250mg
Iron1-2mg

Including nutritional details like calories, protein, and fat makes your recipe more appealing to health-conscious readers, which can enhance engagement and improve your SEO ranking by catering to specific searches related to healthy eating and dietary preferences.

This Matar Paneer recipe combines the goodness of protein-rich paneer and fiber-packed peas, making it not only delicious but also nutritious.

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