Matar paneer recipe

Matar paneer recipe 

Matar paneer is a popular North Indian dish made with green peas (matar) and paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a tomato-based gravy. It is a delicious and nutritious dish that is loved by both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. In this article, we will discuss how to make matar paneer at home in detail.

Ingredients:

For the gravy:

- 2 large onions, finely chopped

- 4 medium-sized tomatoes, finely chopped

- 2 green chilies, slit

- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon coriander powder

- 1 teaspoon cumin powder

- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala

- 1/2 cup fresh cream

- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee

- Salt to taste

For the Matar Paneer:

- 200 grams paneer, cut into cubes

- 1 cup green peas, fresh or frozen

- 1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)

- 2 tablespoons coriander leaves, finely chopped

- Water as required

Instructions:

1. Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

2. Add chopped onions and green chilies to the pan and sauté until the onions turn golden brown.

3. Add ginger-garlic paste to the pan and sauté for a minute.

4. Add chopped tomatoes to the pan and mix well. Cook until the tomatoes turn mushy.

5. Add all the dry spices - turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt to the pan. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.

6. Add fresh cream to the pan and mix well. Cook for a minute.

7. Let the gravy cool down for a while. Then, transfer it to a blender and blend until smooth. You can add a little water to adjust the consistency.

8. Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add paneer cubes to the pan and fry until golden brown. Take them out on a plate and keep aside.

9. In the same pan, add green peas and sauté for 2-3 minutes.

10. Add the blended gravy to the pan and mix well. Cook for 2-3 minutes.

11. Add fried paneer cubes to the pan and mix well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.

12. Crush kasuri methi with your hands and add it to the pan. Mix well.

13. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with roti, naan, or rice.

Tips:

- If you are using fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes before adding them to the gravy.

- You can also use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones.

- If you want a spicier gravy, add more green chilies or red chili powder according to your taste.

- To make the gravy creamier, you can add more fresh cream or cashew paste to it.

- You can also add some diced capsicum or carrots to the gravy for added nutrition and flavor.

In conclusion, matar paneer is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. With the right ingredients and cooking technique, you can prepare this dish at home and impress your family and friends. So, go ahead and try this recipe today!