Introduction

 Matar Paneer is a beloved vegetarian Indian dish featuring tender paneer (Indian cottage cheese) simmered in a rich and creamy tomato-based gravy with green peas. This flavorful curry is a staple in many Indian restaurants and is known for its comforting texture and delightful combination of flavors.

Why You’ll Love This

•   Rich and Flavorful: The combination of spices, cream, and peas creates a deeply satisfying flavor profile.
•   Tender Paneer: The paneer cubes are cooked to perfection in the creamy sauce.
•   Healthy: Packed with protein from paneer and peas, Matar Paneer is a nutritious and wholesome meal.
•   Versatile: Can be enjoyed as a main course with rice or naan, or as a side dish.
•  Relatively Easy to Make: While it may seem complex, the recipe is surprisingly straightforward.

Equipment Needed

•   Large pot or Dutch oven
•   Blender or food processor
•   Cutting board
•   Knife
•   Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

•   1 pound paneer, cut into 1-inch cubes
•   1 cup frozen peas, thawed
•   2 tablespoons butter
•   1 large onion, chopped
•   2 cloves garlic, minced
•   1-inch piece ginger, minced
•   1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
•   1 tablespoon tomato paste
•   1 teaspoon garam masala
•   1 teaspoon ground coriander
•   1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
•   1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
•   1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
•   1/4 cup heavy cream
•   Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutritional Information (per serving):

•   Calories: 250-300
•   Protein: 15-20g
•   Fat: 10-15g
•   Carbohydrates: 15-20g

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

•   Sauté Onions: Heat butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened and golden brown, about 5 minutes.
•   Add Aromatics: Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute more.
•   Simmer the Sauce: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, garam masala, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
•   Blend the Sauce: Transfer half of the sauce to a blender and blend until smooth. Return the blended sauce to the pot.
•  Add Peas: Add the thawed peas to the sauce.
•  Simmer and Cook Peas: Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
•  Add Paneer: Gently stir in the paneer cubes.
•   Simmer and Thicken: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
•   Stir in Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and cook for 1 minute more.
•   Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice, naan, or roti.

Tips for the Best Matar Paneer

•  Use high-quality paneer: Fresh paneer will result in a more flavorful dish.
•   Don’t overcook the peas: Overcooking can make the peas mushy.
•   Adjust the spice level: Add more or less chili powder to suit your taste.
•   Simmer gently: Low and slow simmering allows the flavors to meld together.
•  Add a touch of sweetness: For a richer flavor, add a pinch of sugar to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

•   Serve hot with basmati rice, naan, or roti.
•   Garnish with a dollop of plain yogurt or a squeeze of lemon juice.
•   Enjoy as a filling for wraps or sandwiches.
•   Serve alongside other Indian dishes like raita or samosas.

FAQs About Matar Paneer

 Q 1: Can I use frozen peas?

Ans: Yes, frozen peas work well in this recipe.

 Q 2: Can I use store-bought paneer? Ans: Yes, store-bought paneer works well in this recipe.

 Q 3: Can I make this dish ahead of time? Ans: Yes, the sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and reheated gently.

 Q 4: Can I freeze Matar Paneer?

Ans:  Yes, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Matar Paneer is a rich and flavorful dish that is sure to impress. With its tender paneer, creamy sauce, and sweet peas, it’s a perfect option for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the taste of India in your own kitchen.