Matar Paneer Recipe

Ingredients:

For Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
• Salt, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh cream (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves, for garnishing

Other Ingredients:

• 200 grams paneer, cut into cubes
• 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen), boiled
• 1/2 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), crushed
• Water, as needed
• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

Preparing Gravy:

1. Heat ghee or vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add cumin seeds to the hot oil and let them splutter.
3. Add finely chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they turn golden brown.
4. Add ginger-garlic paste to the pan and sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears.
5. Pour the tomato puree into the pan. Stir well to combine with the onions and spices.
6. Add coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt to the pan. Mix well and cook for a few minutes until the spices are fragrant and the raw taste of tomatoes disappears.
7. Lower the heat and let the gravy simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
8. If using fresh cream, add it to the pan and mix well. This adds richness and creaminess to the gravy.

Adding Paneer and Peas:

1. Once the gravy is ready, add the boiled green peas to the pan. Mix well and let them simmer in the gravy for a couple of minutes.
2. Add the paneer cubes to the pan. Gently mix them in, ensuring they are coated with the gravy.
3. Crush kasuri methi between your palms and sprinkle it over the gravy for extra flavor. Stir gently to incorporate.
4. If the gravy is too thick, you can add a little water to adjust the consistency. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes.

Serving:

1. Garnish the Matar Paneer with chopped coriander leaves before serving.
2. Serve hot Matar Paneer with roti, naan, or rice for a delicious North Indian meal.

Enjoy the rich and flavorful Matar Paneer, a timeless favorite in North Indian cuisine!