Paneer Matar Keema Recipe: A Flavorful North Indian Delight
If you’re on the lookout for a comforting and flavorful vegetarian dish to serve at your next house party or family gathering, the Paneer Matar Keema is an ideal choice. This dish combines the richness of crumbled homemade paneer (cottage cheese) with the goodness of green peas (matar) and potatoes, all enveloped in a fragrant, spice-laden gravy. Whether served as a side dish with roti or a light lunch with rice, this recipe offers the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and aromas, making it a memorable addition to your meal repertoire.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients for Paneer Matar Keema:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green peas (Matar) | 1 cup, boiled and slightly mashed |
| Potato (Aloo) | 1, boiled and mashed |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 1/2 cup, crumbled |
| Tomato | 1, finely chopped |
| Homemade tomato puree | 1/4 cup |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1 pinch |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Ginger garlic paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) leaves | Few sprigs, finely chopped |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Oil | As required |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | As required |
Preparation Time: 35 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions for Preparing Paneer Matar Keema:
-
Prepare the Tempering:
Begin by heating oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add the cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and a pinch of asafoetida. Let the seeds splutter, releasing their aroma into the oil. -
Cook the Onions:
Once the mustard seeds have spluttered, add the finely chopped onions to the pan. Cook them on medium heat until they become soft and translucent, taking about 3-4 minutes. -
Add Ginger-Garlic Paste:
Next, add the ginger garlic paste and sauté for another 2 minutes, allowing it to cook and infuse its flavors into the onions. -
Prepare the Tomato Base:
Add the finely chopped tomatoes and tomato puree to the pan. Stir and cover the pan with a lid. Let the mixture cook for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and break down into a smooth base. -
Season the Gravy:
Once the tomatoes have cooked down, add the red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Stir well and let the spice mixture cook for 5 minutes, allowing the spices to blend together and develop their flavors. -
Add the Mashed Potato and Crumbled Paneer:
Now, add the boiled and mashed potatoes along with the crumbled homemade paneer to the pan. Mix everything together thoroughly. Add 1/4 cup of water to the mixture, ensuring that it combines well. Allow it to cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the flavors meld together. -
Add the Green Peas:
After the potato and paneer mixture has cooked, add the boiled green peas. Stir them in and cover the pan. Let the dish cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the peas to absorb the spices and become tender. -
Final Touches:
Once the paneer matar keema is cooked, garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Paneer Matar Keema with steamed rice, phulka, or naan for a wholesome meal. You can also pair it with a side of Dal Palak (spinach lentil soup) and Lauki Raita (bottle gourd yogurt dip) for a complete North Indian feast.
This dish is perfect for weekday lunches, family gatherings, or any special occasion where you want to impress your guests with a flavorful vegetarian treat. Its blend of spices and creamy paneer is sure to make it a hit on your table.
Enjoy your delightful meal with the warmth of homemade flavors and aromatic spices that only a dish like Paneer Matar Keema can bring!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories, carbs, proteins, fats, etc. would typically be calculated here based on the specific ingredients and quantities used.
This recipe for Paneer Matar Keema captures the essence of North Indian cuisine and can easily become a go-to comfort dish. Whether you’re preparing it for your family or guests, the richness of the flavors will leave everyone satisfied and asking for more. Happy cooking!
