Mattar Paneer is a popular North Indian dish made with green peas (mattar) and paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a rich and flavorful tomato-based gravy. Here is the recipe:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ready Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 200 grams paneer, cubed
- 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed or finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cream (optional)
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the finely chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste to the pan and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
- Add the tomato puree or finely chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and the mixture thickens.
- Add cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt to the pan. Mix well and cook for a couple of minutes to roast the spices.
- Add green peas to the pan and cook for a few minutes until they are tender.
- Gently add the paneer cubes to the pan and mix well with the gravy. Be careful not to break the paneer cubes.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the flavors blend for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- If desired, add fresh cream to the pan and mix well. This will give a creamy texture to the dish.
- Sprinkle garam masala over the curry and mix gently.
- Garnish with fresh chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve the Mattar Paneer hot with naan, roti, or rice.
Enjoy the delicious and creamy Mattar Paneer, a classic vegetarian dish from North India, packed with flavors of peas and paneer!