Matar Paneer Recipe:
Turning Ingredients into Culinary Gold
Matar Paneer Recipe: Matar Paneer (Peas and Paneer) is a delightful fusion of tender paneer and wholesome green peas in a gently spiced tomato-based gravy, offering a tantalizing experience for the taste buds. This uncomplicated matar paneer recipe elevates the curry’s flavor by shallow frying the paneer cubes for a subtle taste and texture, while the addition of cashew nut paste lends richness and creaminess. Follow our step-by-step guide to create this simple yet delectable curry at home, perfect to pair with paratha for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients:
Matar Paneer Recipe
- 1 cup fresh or frozen Green Peas
- 3/4 cup Paneer (cottage cheese), cubed
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 1 Green Chilli, chopped
- 2-3 cloves of Garlic
- 1/2 inch piece of Ginger, chopped
- 2 medium Tomatoes, roughly chopped
- soaked 5-6 Cashew Nuts in hot water for 20-30 minutes
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Garam Masala Powder
- 2 tablespoons Oil or Ghee (clarified butter) for shallow frying
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons Water
- Salt to taste
Notes:
If using fresh green peas, boil them in salted water for 7-8 minutes until tender; drain. Thaw frozen peas before using.
Directions:
Matar Paneer Recipe
Step 1:
Grind onion, green chilli, ginger, and garlic into a medium coarse paste. Puree the tomatoes. Make a smooth paste with cashew nuts using 2 tablespoons of water.
Step 2:
Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the crushed onion paste (from step 1) and a pinch of salt. Sauté until the oil separates or the onions turn translucent (5-7 minutes).
Step 3:
Add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates, about 5-6 minutes.
Step 4:
Add red chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, turmeric powder, and salt.
Step 5:
Stir and cook for a minute. Add the cashew nut paste.
Step 6:
Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Step 7:
Add boiled peas and 1/2 cup water. Mix well and cook for 3 minutes.
Step 8:
Add paneer cubes and cook for 2-3 minutes. Optionally, you can use shallow-fried paneer for enhanced flavor (see tips).
Step 9:
Turn off the flame and transfer the curry to a serving bowl. Matar Paneer Recipe is ready. Serve with butter kulcha, cucumber-tomato-onion salad, and gajar halwa for a complete meal
Tips and Variations
of Matar Paneer Recipe
- Shallow frying paneer cubes adds flavor, but for fewer calories, use plain paneer.
- To shallow fry paneer, heat ghee or oil in a non-stick pan and fry until edges turn golden brown.
- For a thinner gravy, add 1/4 cup more water along with peas in step 7.
- Adjust the quantity of peas and paneer to achieve the desired texture.
Taste:
Mildly spicy with a thick tomato-based gravy.
Serving Ideas:
Pair with various Indian flatbreads like phulka roti, tandoori roti, paneer kulcha, or butter naan for a simple yet satisfying meal. Enhance the experience with a side of tomato basil salad and gulab jamun.
Conclusion:
Matar Paneer – Bridging the Gap Between Tradition and Innovation
In the vibrant tapestry of culinary experiences, Matar Paneer Recipe emerges as a symbol of the harmonious blend between time-honored tradition and inventive culinary techniques. Its straightforward yet rich flavors, coupled with its adaptability to various accompaniments, establish it as an enduring masterpiece that resonates across generations.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peas for Matar Paneer?
Absolutely! Ensure they are thawed before incorporating them into the dish.
Is shallow frying paneer necessary for the recipe?
While it elevates the flavor profile, you can opt for plain paneer if you desire a lighter dish with fewer calories.
Can I adjust the spice level of Matar Paneer?
Certainly! Feel free to tweak the spice quantities to align with your taste preferences.
How long does it take to make Matar Paneer?
With our detailed guide, you can prepare this delightful dish in approximately 30 minutes.
What are alternative serving suggestions for Matar Paneer?
Explore different bread pairings or experiment with creative side dishes to personalize your Matar Paneer experience.
