Paneer Matar Butter Masala (Indian Cottage Cheese and Peas Masala with Butter) Recipe
Description:
Paneer Matar Butter Masala is a delectable and nutrient-rich dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The creamy and mildly spiced gravy, combined with soft, golden paneer cubes and sweet green peas, creates a flavor-packed curry that’s irresistible. Rich in calcium and protein, this dish is ideal for vegetarians looking to enjoy a wholesome and hearty meal. Traditionally served with naan or tandoori roti, it also pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, making it an excellent choice for dinner or a house party.
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese), cubed | 1 ½ cups |
| Oil | As required |
| Green peas (Matar) | ½ cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Milk | ¼ cup |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 1 teaspoon |
| For the masala/gravy | |
| Onion (red), finely chopped | 1 |
| Tomatoes, finely chopped | 2 |
| Ginger, finely chopped | 1-inch piece |
| Garlic, peeled and finely chopped | 1 clove |
| Ghee (clarified butter) | 2 tablespoons |
| Dry red chilies | 2 |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) pods/seeds | 3 |
| Cinnamon stick (Dalchini) | ½-inch piece |
| Whole black peppercorns | 4 |
| Coriander (Dhania) seeds | ½ teaspoon |
| Cashew nuts, broken into small pieces | ¼ cup |
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
45 minutes
Instructions:
-
Shallow Fry the Paneer:
- Begin by heating 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add the cubed paneer (homemade cottage cheese) and shallow fry until it turns slightly golden or creamy golden on all sides. Once done, set the paneer aside on a plate.
-
Prepare the Masala/Gravy:
- In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of ghee (clarified butter) and heat it over medium flame. Once the ghee has melted, add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn soft and translucent.
- Add the green peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the peas to soften slightly.
- Now, add the finely chopped ginger and garlic to the pan, stirring for 1-2 minutes until they release their fragrant aroma.
- Add the whole spices: dry red chilies, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, black peppercorns, and coriander seeds. Stir for a minute to allow the spices to release their flavors.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until the tomatoes break down and become soft, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the tomatoes are mushy, remove the pan from the heat and set it aside to cool for a few minutes.
-
Blend the Gravy:
- Once the masala mixture has cooled slightly, transfer it to a blender. Add the broken cashew nuts and blend everything together into a smooth paste, adding a little water if needed to achieve a smooth consistency.
-
Simmer the Curry:
- Return the gravy to the pan and place it over low to medium heat. Add the shallow-fried paneer cubes to the pan along with salt, sugar, kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), and red chili powder. Stir gently to coat the paneer with the gravy.
- If the gravy is too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency. Allow the curry to simmer on low heat for about 10-12 minutes, ensuring the flavors meld together beautifully.
-
Finish the Dish:
- Pour in the milk and give everything a good stir. Let the curry simmer for another minute or so, allowing the milk to incorporate into the gravy, adding a creamy texture to the dish.
-
Serve:
- Remove the Paneer Matar Butter Masala from the heat and serve it hot with phulkas, tandoori roti, or even steamed rice. This rich, creamy curry will surely be the star of any meal, offering a perfect balance of flavors that everyone will love.
Tips & Variations:
- You can adjust the consistency of the gravy by adding more or less water depending on how thick or thin you like your curry.
- For a more intense flavor, consider adding a small pinch of garam masala just before serving.
- If you’re looking to make this dish even richer, you can add a little cream in place of the milk for a luxurious texture.
- If you’re making this for a large gathering, feel free to double or triple the recipe to serve more people.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
This indulgent and flavorful Paneer Matar Butter Masala is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen, whether for a casual dinner or a special occasion. With the goodness of paneer, peas, and a rich, buttery gravy, it’s an unbeatable combination that delivers both comfort and nutrition in every bite. Enjoy!
