Make this delicious matar paneer recipe with peas and some succulent paneer chunks. This creamy and yummy paneer recipe is superb paired with Indian breads like naan, rotis and parathas.
Paneer or Indian cottage cheese is hugely popular with vegetarians in India. In fact, even though non-vegetarians are spoilt for choice, they could never say no to a delicious paneer dish. And that is what happened to me today! It has been quite a while since I made anything with paneer, so I whipped up a super yummy and quick matar paneer (curried Indian cottage cheese and peas). This luscious curry is so amazing that, you can enjoy it both with breads as well as rice. Sounds exciting already, right? Matar paneer (matar means peas in Hindi), is a pretty common and much loved North Indian, vegetarian curry, back home. This is, primarily a tomato based recipe, that I have cooked in mustard oil to give it an earthy taste. Mustard oil imparts a strong, pungent flavour, which I feel, enhances the taste.
You could, however, opt to use any regular cooking oil. Alternatively, you could also use ghee. This is a mildly spiced gravy, so it is also a toddler friendly recipe. Additionally, the kasuri methi or dried fenugreek leaves, in the recipe takes the earthiness to yet another level. If you are wondering, where you could find it, then worry not. Your local Indian grocer will definitely have it.
You may also like,
One pot recipe
I have first fried the paneer cubes and then added them to the matar paneer (curried Indian cottage cheese and peas) curry. But, this is an optional step. Often times, I add them without frying, as well. This is simply a choice, it really does nothing to the taste of the overall curry. Therefore, this is a really a one pot meal which you will be able to cook in under 30 minutes. Also, I have used canned tomatoes in the recipe, but you can always use fresh ones. In the latter case, blend them before adding it to the curry. The other ingredients that you will need are regular Indian spices.
This is really a pretty simple recipe but a super special one. Make this and earn accolades from friends and family. You could make this for your next Indian dinner party. Pair it up with some pulao or rotis/naans and you are going to be in for a treat! Be sure to let me know of your feedback. And do share your food pictures with me on Instagram.
Until the next recipe, see you!
Eat hearty!
Matar paneer
Equipment
- Shallow cooking pot
Ingredients
- 300 g paneer Indian cottage cheese cut in 1 inch cubes
- 200 g frozen peas or fresh seasonal peas
- 200 g chopped tomatoes canned*
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 2 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) crushed
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 dried red chilis
- 2 tbsp cream
- 2-3 fresh green chilis chopped
- 2 tbsp coriander leaves chopped
- 4-5 tbsp mustard oil or ghee or any regular cooking oil
- salt to tate
Instructions
- Shallow fry the paneer pieces in 2 tablespoons of oil and keep them aside**
- Heat the remaining oil, until it smokes, then lower the heat and add the bay leaves and chilis. When fragrant, add the chopped onions and chilis and fry until the onions soften
- Next add the ginger and garlic pastes and fry them off until their raw smell goes away. Once done add the tomatoes, mix well and cook until they soften
- Now add the spice powders, salt and ½ a cup of water and let bubble for 3-4 minutes. Next add the peas, cover and cook for 5-7 minutes
- Once the oil separates from the curry, add the cream, paneer cubes and kasuri methi. Mix well but gently, cover and cook for another 5 minutes on a medium low heat. When done, remove from heat and garnish with coriander leaves
- Serve the matar paneer along with rice or any Indian bread of your choice. Enjoy!
Notes
- *If using fresh tomatoes, make a puree´ out of them and then use it for the recipe
- **This step is optional. You can add the paneer cubes even without frying, to the curry
- If you do not want to add the cream, you can replace it with the same quantity of whisked, lump free yoghurt
- g - grams
- tsp - teaspoon
- tbsp - tablespoon
