Matar Paneer Recipe – Mattar Paneer – How to Make Mutter Paneer Masala

MATAR PANEER RECIPE

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Serves 4-6

INGREDIENTS:
2 cups of sliced onions
1 tsp of minced garlic
1 tsp of grated ginger
1 tsp of red chilli powder
2 tsp of coriander powder
1/2 tsp of cumin powder
1/2 tsp of turmeric powder
1.5 cups of chopped, ripe tomatoes
1/2 cup of cashew nuts, soaked in water for 30 mins
1 heaping tsp of canned tomato paste
3/4 cup of fresh or frozen shelled green peas
1.5 cups of cubed paneer
1 pinch of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
1 tsp of garam masala (I use Kitchen King masala)
1 tbsp of cream
1/4 cup of chopped coriander leaves (cilantro), for garnish
2 tbsp of oil

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat oil in a large pan and saute the onions onion the edges start turning brown.

2. Add the ginger and garlic and saute again for a minute.

3. Add the chilli powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder, along with the turmeric. Saute for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add tomatoes. Mix and cook until the tomatoes turn soggy and soft.

5. Top off with the tomato paste and mix again well.

The tomato paste gives a nice depth to the dish and also gives the matar paneer some colour. You can omit if you want but I highly recommend adding some. You can transfer the remaining paste to an air tight container and keep in fridge for up to a week. Add to any tomato-based gravy, you won’t regret it.

6. Turn off flame and leave the above mixture to cool. Meanwhile, grind the soaked cashew nuts with some water. to a smooth paste. Set aside.

7. Saute the paneer cubes in some oil until all sides are light golden brown. Drain and set aside.

8. Once the tomato onion mixture is cool, grind to an almost-smooth paste.

9. Return this to the stove in the same pan along with the cashew paste and peas.

10. Add about 1.5 cups water and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for 5-6 mins or until the peas is cooked. You can add more water if the gravy is too thick.

11. Add the kasuri methi, cream, required amount of salt, and garam masala. Mix well.

12. Finally add the fried paneer and coriander leaves. Mix gently until the paneer is well covered in the gravy.

Steaming hot Matar Paneer is ready!

Notes:
– The cream is optional but I like adding some for flavour. If you don’t have any, don’t go out and buy it just for this dish. You can also add a dash of milk for some flavour
– When I prepare Matar Paneer for guests, I make the gravy in advance the previous day (until step 8 above). I also leave soaked cashews in the fridge. On the day, just grind the cashew paste and proceed. Also fry the paneer on the day of serving so it stays spongy and fresh