International Cuisine

Classic Matar Paneer: Creamy Paneer in Spiced Peas Gravy

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Matar Paneer Recipe – Paneer in Peas Gravy
Matar Paneer is an iconic North Indian dish that has won the hearts of food lovers for generations. This delicious curry brings together the richness of paneer (homemade cottage cheese) and the subtle sweetness of green peas (matar) in a flavorful, spiced gravy. Often enjoyed with roti, naan, or steamed rice, Matar Paneer is a comforting and satisfying vegetarian dish that works beautifully for any meal of the day. Its smooth, aromatic gravy made with a blend of warm spices, tomatoes, and herbs elevates the dish to an irresistible level. Whether served at a special gathering or as a weeknight dinner, this Matar Paneer recipe will always leave you craving for more.

Cuisine

North Indian

Course

Dinner

Diet

High Protein Vegetarian


Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) 250 grams, cubed into small pieces
Green peas (Matar) 1/2 cup, frozen and thawed
Butter (Salted) 1 tablespoon
Ghee 1 tablespoon
Brown cardamom (Badi Elaichi) 2
Cloves (Laung) 4
Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) 1 inch, broken
Whole Black Pepper Corns 1 teaspoon
Onion 1, finely chopped
Garlic 4 cloves, finely chopped
Ginger 1 inch, finely chopped
Tomatoes 5, quartered
Turmeric powder (Haldi) 1/4 teaspoon
Cumin powder (Jeera) 1/2 teaspoon
Garam masala powder 1/2 teaspoon
Coriander (Dhania) Powder 1/2 teaspoon
Red Chilli powder 1/2 teaspoon
Salt 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
Sugar 1 teaspoon
Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) 1 teaspoon
Coriander (Dhania) Leaves 6 sprigs, finely chopped

Preparation Time

10 minutes

Cooking Time

20 minutes


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients:
    Begin by gathering and prepping all the ingredients. Cube the paneer and chop the onions, garlic, and ginger finely. Quarter the tomatoes and set them aside.

  2. Make Tomato Puree:
    Add the chopped tomatoes to a blender or food processor and blend them to make a smooth puree. Set this aside for later use.

  3. Thaw the Green Peas:
    Microwave the frozen green peas along with 1 tablespoon of butter until fully thawed. Set them aside to incorporate into the curry later.

  4. Cook the Whole Spices:
    Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan, wok, or kadai. Add the whole spices—cloves, cinnamon stick, brown cardamom, and black peppercorns—and stir-fry them for about 30 seconds, until their aromas are released.

  5. Sauté Onions, Ginger, and Garlic:
    Add the finely chopped onions, garlic, and ginger to the pan and sauté them until the onions turn soft, tender, and lightly golden brown.

  6. Add the Ground Spices:
    Now, stir in the ground spices—turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chilli powder, and garam masala powder. Stir the mixture well to combine the spices with the sautéed onions and garlic.

  7. Cook the Tomato Puree:
    Pour the smooth tomato puree into the pan, followed by salt and sugar. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a brisk boil. Once the gravy starts boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.

  8. Add the Peas and Paneer:
    Stir in the kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), thawed peas, and paneer cubes. Mix gently so that the paneer absorbs the flavorful gravy. Cover the pan and let the curry simmer for about 5 minutes.

  9. Adjust Seasoning and Garnish:
    Taste the curry and adjust the salt and spices according to your preference. Once the flavors are balanced, stir in finely chopped coriander leaves for an extra burst of freshness.

  10. Serve:
    Transfer the hot Matar Paneer to a serving bowl. Serve it alongside hot phulka (Indian flatbread) smeared with ghee, or enjoy it with steamed rice, Indian sliced salad, and lacha pyaz (onion salad) for a wholesome meal.


Serving Suggestions

Matar Paneer pairs perfectly with any type of Indian bread like roti, naan, or paratha. It also complements a simple serving of basmati rice or jeera rice (cumin-flavored rice). For added flavor, you can serve it with a side of crispy papad and tangy pickle to enhance the taste experience. If you’re craving a complete meal, serve Matar Paneer with a refreshing cucumber and onion salad or a cooling yogurt-based raita to balance the spices.


Tips for the Perfect Matar Paneer:

  • Homemade Paneer: Using homemade paneer gives the curry a fresher taste. However, store-bought paneer works just as well. If using store-bought paneer, make sure to soak it in hot water for a few minutes to soften it before adding it to the curry.
  • Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a spicier version, increase the amount of red chilli powder and garam masala. On the other hand, you can reduce the chili powder for a milder flavor.
  • Adding Creaminess: For a richer version, add a tablespoon of cream towards the end of cooking. This will give the curry a smoother, creamier texture and an extra indulgent touch.
  • Freezing Tips: Matar Paneer freezes well, so if you’re meal prepping, you can make a large batch and store it in an airtight container in the freezer. When ready to eat, simply reheat and enjoy!

This Matar Paneer recipe is a versatile, hearty, and deeply satisfying dish that can be easily prepared for both casual weeknight dinners and festive meals. The soft, melt-in-your-mouth paneer combined with sweet, buttery peas and aromatic spices makes it a beloved dish in Indian homes and beyond. Its rich, fragrant gravy will undoubtedly transport your taste buds to the heart of North India with every bite.

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