Paneer Matar Butter Masala (Indian Cottage Cheese and Peas Masala with Butter) Recipe
Embark on a delightful culinary journey with Paneer Matar Butter Masala, a rich and creamy North Indian dish that beautifully combines homemade cottage cheese (paneer) and tender green peas in a luscious buttery gravy. This comforting dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and pairs wonderfully with phulkas or steamed rice. With a blend of aromatic spices, fresh ingredients, and a touch of sweetness, this recipe is sure to be a hit on your dining table.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 1 ½ cups, cubed |
| Sunflower Oil | As required |
| Green peas (Matar) | ½ cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Milk | ¼ cup |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion (Red) | 1, finely chopped |
| Tomatoes | 2, finely chopped |
| Ginger | 1 inch, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 1 clove, peeled and finely chopped |
| Ghee (Clarified Butter) | 2 tablespoons |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2, whole |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 3, whole |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | ½ inch, whole |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 4, whole |
| Coriander (Dhania) Seeds | ½ teaspoon |
| Cashew nuts | ¼ cup, broken into small pieces |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 350 kcal |
| Protein | 16g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings
- Servings: 4
Cuisine
- Cuisine: North Indian
- Course: Dinner
- Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prepare the Paneer:
- Begin by shallow frying the cubed paneer in 1 to 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil in a wide pan. Cook until the paneer is slightly golden or creamy golden, then remove it from the pan and set it aside.
-
-
Make the Masala:
- In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of ghee (or clarified butter) and heat it over medium flame. Once the ghee is hot, add the finely chopped onions and green peas. Sauté until the onions turn translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
-
Add Aromatics:
- Incorporate the finely chopped ginger and garlic into the pan, stirring for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Next, add the whole dry red chilies, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, whole black peppercorns, and coriander seeds. Stir them for a few seconds to release their essential oils.
-
Tomatoes:
- Add the finely chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook until the tomatoes soften and become mushy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
-
Blend the Mixture:
- Transfer the cooled mixture to a blender and add ¼ cup of cashews. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste, adding a little water if necessary to facilitate blending.
-
Combine Everything:
- Pour the blended gravy back into the wide pan over medium heat. Add the shallow-fried paneer cubes. Season with salt to taste, sugar, kasuri methi, and red chili powder (if desired). If the gravy is too thick, add a bit of water to reach your desired consistency. Allow it to simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, letting all the flavors meld beautifully.
-
Finishing Touches:
- Finally, add the milk to the simmering curry and stir well. Let the dish simmer for an additional minute on low heat before removing it from the stove.
-
Serving:
- Serve your luscious Paneer Matar Butter Masala hot with warm phulkas or steamed rice. Enjoy this rich, flavorful dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds and bring comfort to your meal!
Tips for Perfect Paneer Matar Butter Masala
- Homemade Paneer: If possible, use freshly made paneer for the best flavor and texture. The creaminess of homemade paneer elevates this dish.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the level of red chili powder based on your spice tolerance. This dish is meant to have a mild, creamy heat.
- Vegan Option: To make a vegan version, substitute paneer with tofu and replace ghee with oil.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with naan, roti, or any type of Indian bread, and it can also be enjoyed with a side of cucumber raita for a refreshing contrast.
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Paneer Matar Butter Masala, a dish that embodies the essence of North Indian cuisine, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe is a celebration of rich ingredients and vibrant tastes, sure to impress everyone at your table!
