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Matar Paneer Curry: Authentic Indian Recipe for Every Occasion

Mattar Paneer Served on Blue Ceramic Bowl

Matar paneer is a very popular dish, preferably from north India and this is loved by kids and elders alike in India and other countries. It belongs to the category of vegetarian dishes where paneer, Indian cottage cheese matar, and green peas are cooked with a makhani gravy which is essentially made from tomato. Matar Paneer therefore goes well with Indian bread like naan or roti but it can equally be accompanied with rice making it a course on its own.

The Essence of Matar Paneer

Matar Paneer garnished with fresh coriander leaves and ready to serve

This recipe is easy to make highly sophisticated and offers a classic twist to the tongue. It involves the use of two main ingredients which include paneer and peas and both have seemed with much nutritional value. Paneer is a high protein and calcium food which doesn’t interfere much with the consuming person’s diet especially if the person follows a vegetarian diet. Green peas are packed with fiber vitamins and antioxidants which are greatly needed in the body. Together, they come up with what you can say is the perfect meal, taking into account the health aspect and nutritional value of the food.

Ingredients that Make Matar Paneer Special

Green Peas On White Ceramic Bowl

In making Matar Paneer, one has to use fresh superior quality ingredients; it doesn’t allow compromising on quality. Primary ingredients include paneer cubes, green peas, tomatoes, onions, and spices while additional spices are added to enhance the flavor. The key component to preparing the gravy is making a paste of cashew nuts which can be made with more thicker consistency with the help of cream or milk. Every spice is used in the Matar Paneer recipe which helps in making up for the lost layers of flavours.

Cooking Methods for Perfect Matar Paneer

Smooth cashew paste being prepared to add richness to the Matar Paneer gravy

The preparation of Matar Paneer is not complicated at all and needs the following steps. That is, at first, the pieces of paneer are browned well on the outer surface but remain soft on the inner side. This step brings a beautiful texture and added flavor to the paneer. The basic preparation of the gravy is with diced onions which are cooked until golden brown to which the ginger-garlic paste is added for flavor. Tomatoes are sieved and added and brought to a fry till the oil separates giving a very rich Tomato base sauce.

Smooth cashew paste being prepared to add richness to the Matar Paneer gravy

Flavorful components that must be added include turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala are important in the preparation of the dish as they give the dish warmth. Cashew paste is added to make it more creamy and the green peas are boiled to soften them. The last step is to reheat the prepared paneer cubes quickly in the prepared gravy and let it cook for some more time so that all the flavors are well absorbed.

Serving and Enjoying Matar Paneer

Mattar Paneer Served on Blue Ceramic Bowl

Fresh Coriander leaves are often used to garnish the dish, giving the Matar Paneer a bright green color that looks inviting. It can be eaten simply, served with soft naan, roti, or flavorfully aromatic basmati rice as a main course. The delightful quality of Matar Paneer is that it can be eaten as a simple meal any day of the week as well as for celebration.

Nutritional Benefits of Matar Paneer

Besides the delicious taste that makes people enjoy this meal, Matar Paneer has the following nutritional benefits. The calorie, protein, carbohydrate, and fat of the Matar Paneer show that it is well-balanced and healthy. Paneer is a rich source of protein and green peas have several vitamin and mineral content in it. The tomatoes and spices added in the preparation of the dish not only assist in the flavoring but are also rich in antioxidants/anti-inflammatory.

Try More Recipe:- Best Paneer Butter Masala Recipe: Rich and Creamy Delight

Cooking Method ,
Cuisine ,
Courses ,
Difficulty Intermediate
Time
Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 25 mins Rest Time: 15 mins Total Time: 55 mins
Servings 4
Calories 347
Best Season Suitable throughout the year
Description

The dish known as Matar Paneer is one of the traditional dishes of North India involving soft and slim cubes of paneer or Indian cottage cheese, and tender green peas (Matar) cooked in a rich and spicy tomato base gravy. This spicy and scrumptious vegetarian recipe is perfect for lunch or dinner, best served it with warm naan, roti, or rice.

Ingredients
    Matar Paneer:
  • 200 grams paneer, cubed
  • 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 large tomatoes, pureed
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 green chilies, slit (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
  • Matar Paneer Gravy:
  • 1/2 cup cashew nuts (soaked in warm water for 20 minutes)
  • 1/2 cup milk or cream
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Optional Ingredients:
  • 1/2 teaspoon kasuri methi for added flavor (dried fenugreek leaves)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar to balance the tanginess of tomatoes
  • Lemon juice for a tangy twist
  • Adjust spice levels according to your taste
Instructions
  1. Preparation:
    • Soak cashew nuts in warm water for 20 minutes. Drain and blend into a smooth paste with a little water. Set aside.
    • Puree the tomatoes in a blender and set aside.
    • If using frozen peas, thaw them. If using fresh peas, boil until tender.
  2. Cooking Paneer:
    • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat.
    • Add paneer cubes and sauté until they are light golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  3. Making the Gravy:
    • In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil.
    • Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
    • Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
    • Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, sauté for another 2 minutes.
    • Add the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil separates from the mixture.
  4. Spicing the Gravy:
    • Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well.
    • Cook the spices with the tomato mixture for about 5 minutes on low heat.
  5. Adding Paneer and Peas:
    • Add the cashew nut paste and mix well.
    • Pour in milk or cream and stir to combine.
    • Add water to adjust the consistency of the gravy.
    • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer.
  6. Final Touches:
    • Add the sautéed paneer cubes and green peas to the gravy.
    • Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
    • Stir in garam masala and kasuri methi (if using).
    • Adjust salt and add sugar if needed.
  7. Garnishing:
    • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
  8. Serving:
    • Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.
Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 347kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 28g44%
Saturated Fat 10g50%
Cholesterol 42mg15%
Sodium 766mg32%
Potassium 389mg12%
Total Carbohydrate 19g7%
Dietary Fiber 4g16%
Sugars 6g
Protein 12g24%

Vitamin A 517 IU
Vitamin C 21.5 mg
Calcium 352 mg
Iron 2 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note
  • Lemon juice for a tangy twist
  • Adjust spice levels according to your taste
Keywords: Matar Paneer Recipe, How to make Matar Paneer, Easy Matar Paneer Recipe, Dhaba Style Matar Paneer
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