Matar Paneer Recipe (Green Peas with Cottage Cheese)
A Flavorsome Punjabi Delight for High-Protein Vegetarian Meals
Matar Paneer is a quintessential North Indian curry dish featuring tender green peas and soft paneer (cottage cheese) cooked in a rich, spiced tomato-based gravy. Perfectly paired with tawa parathas or steamed rice, this dish brings comfort and indulgence to your dinner table. With its creamy texture and vibrant flavor, Matar Paneer is loved by both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.
Recipe Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Cuisine | Punjabi |
| Course | Dinner |
| Diet | High Protein Vegetarian |
Ingredients
Here is a list of everything you’ll need to prepare this dish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (cottage cheese), diced | 250 grams |
| Green peas, steamed | 1/2 cup |
| Tomato puree | 2 cups |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 large |
| Ginger, grated | 1-inch piece |
| Garlic cloves | 2 |
| Turmeric powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cooking oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh coriander leaves, chopped | For garnish |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fats | 15 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Vitamin A | 10% DV |
| Vitamin C | 15% DV |
| Iron | 8% DV |
| Calcium | 20% DV |
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create a delicious and wholesome Matar Paneer:
-
Prepare the Paneer and Peas
- Cut the paneer into small cubes and set them aside.
- Steam the green peas until they are tender. Set aside for later use.
-
Create the Spice Paste
- In a blender, add the chopped onion, grated ginger, and garlic cloves. Blend into a smooth paste. Keep this mixture separate.
-
Cook the Masala Base
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or kadhai over medium heat.
- Add the prepared onion-ginger-garlic paste and sauté until it turns golden brown, releasing a fragrant aroma. This process takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato puree, turmeric powder, cumin powder, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well to combine the spices evenly.
- Cook the mixture for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oil begins to separate from the masala.
-
Combine the Ingredients
- Add a splash of water to the masala base if it becomes too thick. Stir well.
- Gently fold in the paneer cubes and steamed green peas. Mix to coat them evenly with the masala.
- Cover and let the curry simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if necessary.
-
Finish with Garnish
- Turn off the heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped coriander leaves over the Matar Paneer for a burst of freshness and vibrant color.
-
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot with dal fry and soft tawa parathas, or pair it with fragrant basmati rice for a complete meal.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- For an extra creamy texture, add a tablespoon of fresh cream or cashew paste before turning off the heat.
- Lightly pan-fry the paneer cubes in a teaspoon of oil before adding them to the curry for a slightly crisp outer layer.
- If fresh peas are unavailable, frozen green peas work equally well.
Serving Suggestions
- Pairings: Serve Matar Paneer alongside butter naan, roti, or jeera rice.
- Accompaniments: A chilled raita or kachumber salad can add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Matar Paneer is an incredibly versatile dish. It combines the comforting richness of paneer with the earthy sweetness of green peas, all wrapped in a luscious, spiced tomato gravy. This recipe is simple enough for weeknight dinners yet special enough to wow guests at a festive occasion.
Cook this flavorful and nutritious dish today, and make every meal a celebration of taste and tradition!
