Delicious Mattar Paneer: A Flavorful Indian Classic
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Introduction
Mattar Paneer is an iconic dish that captures the essence of Indian home cooking, blending tender paneer cheese with aromatic spices and sweet peas. This recipe, cherished by many and a personal favorite, was one of the first dishes I lovingly prepared for my husband during our early days of marriage. It’s a true testament to comfort food, with a flavor profile that’s both rich and satisfying. To make this dish a bit lighter while still delicious, I’ve swapped out traditional heavy cream for fat-free half-and-half or even fat-free yogurt on occasion. Though it might not be as indulgent as using heavy cream, it still delivers a wonderful taste. For a truly special touch, I use my homemade paneer and freshly roasted, ground spices, but feel free to use store-bought paneer and pre-ground spices if you prefer.
Ingredients
- Paneer – 20 cubes
- Ghee or Oil – 2 tablespoons
- Mustard Seeds – 1/4 teaspoon
- Cumin Seeds – 1/2 teaspoon
- Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
- Ginger – 1 tablespoon, minced
- Garlic Cloves – 3 to 4, minced
- Tomatoes – 2 medium, finely chopped
- Sugar – 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Garam Masala – 1/2 teaspoon
- Chili Powder – 1/4 teaspoon
- Turmeric Powder – 1/4 teaspoon
- Coriander Powder – 3/4 teaspoon
- Cumin Powder – 1/4 teaspoon
- Water – 1 cup (adjust as needed)
- Peas – 1 cup (fresh or frozen)
- Fat-Free Half-and-Half or Yogurt – 1/4 cup (or use heavy cream for a richer taste)
- Fresh Cilantro – 2 tablespoons, chopped for garnish
Instructions
-
Fry the Paneer:
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the paneer cubes and fry them until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Once done, remove the paneer from the pan and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. -
Prepare the Tempering:
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of ghee or oil. Heat it over medium heat and add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Sauté them until they start to sputter and turn golden brown. This will release their fragrant oils and enhance the dish’s flavor. -
Cook the Aromatics:
Add the finely chopped onions to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent. Add the minced ginger and garlic to the onions and continue to cook for a couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears and the mixture becomes aromatic. -
Add the Tomatoes:
Stir in the chopped tomatoes, salt, and sugar. Cook until the tomatoes break down and become soft, forming a rich, thick sauce. -
Spice It Up:
Sprinkle in the garam masala, chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Mix well to incorporate the spices into the tomato mixture. Allow it to cook for another few minutes, stirring frequently, to let the spices release their full flavor. -
Adjust Consistency:
Add 1 cup of water to the pan and stir. Depending on your preference for the dish’s consistency, you can add more or less water. If you’ve added too much water, let it simmer until some of the liquid evaporates and the sauce thickens to your liking. You want a nice, rich sauce with the tomatoes well-cooked. -
Add the Peas:
Stir in the peas and cook for a few minutes until they are tender and cooked through. If you’re using frozen peas, they usually cook quickly, so keep an eye on them. -
Incorporate the Paneer:
Lower the heat and gently stir in the cream (or fat-free half-and-half or yogurt if you’re making a lighter version). Mix well to combine. Add the fried paneer cubes to the sauce and let the dish simmer on medium heat. This allows the paneer to absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce and become infused with the spices. -
Finish and Garnish:
Once the paneer is heated through and has absorbed the flavors, turn off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of fresh flavor and color. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Mattar Paneer hot with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic Indian dish!
Tips
- Paneer: For a richer flavor, you can use store-bought paneer or make your own at home. Homemade paneer adds a special touch and a fresh taste to the dish.
- Spices: Roasting and grinding your own spices can enhance the flavors of the dish, but pre-ground spices are perfectly fine for a quicker preparation.
- Cream Substitute: Using fat-free half-and-half or yogurt reduces the fat content, making the dish lighter, though the texture and taste will be slightly different from using heavy cream.
Enjoy making this flavorful Mattar Paneer at home and delight in the rich, aromatic spices that make Indian cuisine so irresistible! 🌟🍽️🍛
