Matar Paneer Recipe: How to make easy Matar Paneer?
Matar Paneer is a beloved vegetarian dish hailing from the Indian subcontinent, celebrated for its harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This delightful curry combines tender green peas (matar) and cubes of soft paneer (Indian cottage cheese) in a rich, flavorful tomato-based sauce. The dish is often seasoned with a variety of spices that bring warmth and depth, making it comforting yet exciting for the palate. The vibrant green color of peas contrasts beautifully with the creamy paneer and the red sauce, making it as visually appealing as it is satisfying. Ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions, Matar Paneer can be prepared in under 30 minutes, allowing you to indulge in this culinary staple without extensive time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
To prepare a delicious Matar Paneer, you will need the following ingredients. This recipe serves 4 people.
For the Curry:
- Paneer: 200 grams, cut into cubes
- Green Peas: 1 cup (fresh or frozen)
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Tomato: 2 medium, pureed
- Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Green Chili: 1, slit (adjust according to your spice preference)
- Cooking Oil: 2 tablespoons (canola, vegetable, or ghee)
- Cumin Seeds: 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric Powder: ½ teaspoon
- Red Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Garam Masala: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
- Fresh Coriander Leaves: a handful, chopped, for garnish
- Water: ½ to 1 cup, as needed for curry consistency
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your Matar Paneer dish:
- Prepare your ingredients: Wash, peel, and chop all the vegetables. Cube the paneer and set it aside.
- Heat the oil: In a large non-stick pan or wok, heat the 2 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium heat.
- Cook the spices: Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds. Sauté them for about 30 seconds until they become aromatic. Be careful not to burn them.
- Sauté the onions: Add the chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they turn golden brown, approximately 5-6 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Add ginger, garlic, and chili: Stir in the grated ginger, minced garlic, and slit green chili. Sauté for another 2 minutes until the raw smell of ginger-garlic disappears.
- Incorporate tomato puree: Pour the tomato puree into the pan and mix well. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on medium heat until the oil begins to separate from the mixture. This indicates that the tomatoes are well cooked.
- Spice it up: Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well to combine all the spices with the tomato mixture. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add peas and water: Stir in the green peas and pour in about ½ cup of water (you can add more later if you prefer a thinner gravy). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cover the pan and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add paneer: Gently add the cubed paneer to the pan. Stir carefully to prevent breaking the paneer pieces. Simmer for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors.
- Finish with garam masala: Sprinkle in the garam masala and stir well. Cook for another minute, then remove the pan from the heat.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the Matar Paneer with chopped coriander leaves. Your dish is ready to serve!
Serving Suggestions
Matar Paneer is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
- With Flatbreads: Serve Matar Paneer with warm naan, roti, or paratha. The bread helps soak up the delicious curry.
- With Rice: Pair it with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice (cumin-flavored rice) for a wholesome meal.
- Accompaniments: Offer side dishes like onion salad (raw onion slices with lime), raita (yogurt mixed with vegetables), or mango chutney to complement the flavors.
- Beverages: Consider serving traditional Indian beverages like masala chai, lassi (sweet or salted), or a refreshing cucumber-mint cooler to wash down the meal.
Nutritional Information
Matar Paneer not only pleases the palate but also packs a nutritional punch. Here’s a brief overview of the health benefits:
- Paneer: A rich source of protein and calcium, paneer is excellent for bone health and muscle development. It contains healthy fats and is particularly beneficial for vegetarians seeking protein sources.
- Green Peas: These tiny green gems are high in vitamins A, C, K, and several B vitamins. Peas are also rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes satiety, making them an excellent choice for weight management.
- Tomatoes, Onions, and Spices: These ingredients add flavor and essential nutrients, including antioxidants that combat inflammation and support overall health.
- Low-Calorie: This dish is relatively low in calories compared to many heavy meat-based curries, making it a great choice for those watching their caloric intake.
Conclusion
In just under 30 minutes, you can create a comforting, delicious, and nutritious Matar Paneer dish that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this recipe is straightforward and adaptable, allowing for easy substitutions based on your pantry staples.
Experiment with various spices and serve it with your favorite accompaniments to make it your own. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the satisfaction of preparing a classic Indian dish in no time! Serve up warmth, love, and a touch of Indian culture right in your home. Happy Cooking!
Tips for Success
- Substituting Paneer: If you’re unable to find paneer at your local store, you can substitute it with tofu for a vegan option. Just press the tofu to remove excess water before cubing and adding it to the curry.
- Spicing to Taste: Adjust the spices based on your preference. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of green chili and chili powder.
- Freezing Peas: If using frozen peas, there’s no need to thaw them before adding them to the curry; just add them directly into the pot.
- Make it Creamy: For a creamier texture, stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or coconut milk during the final steps of cooking.
With this comprehensive guide, you can confidently prepare Matar Paneer, delighting your taste buds and those of your loved ones!
