**Matar Paneer: A Classic Indian Dish with Variants to Delight Every Palate**
Matar paneer, a beloved dish in Indian cuisine, is a delectable combination of soft paneer cheese and tender green peas simmering in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce. Originating in the northern region of India, this vegetarian delight has captured hearts and taste buds across the country and beyond. This article presents a curated collection of the best matar paneer recipes, each offering a unique twist on this classic dish. From the traditional Punjabi-style matar paneer to innovative variations like matar paneer pulao and matar paneer paratha, these recipes cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, you're sure to find a recipe here that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
MATAR PANEER, HOW TO MAKE MUTTER PANEER
Matar paneer is a delicious dish made by cooking paneer & green peas in spicy onion tomato masala. This recipe will give you restaurant style creamy & rich matar paneer. It tastes amazing to serve with rice, naan or paratha. Stovetop and instant pot instructions included.
Provided by Swasthi
Categories Main
Time 45m
Number Of Ingredients 25
Steps:
- If using store bought paneer, soak it in a bowl of hot water for 20 mins. Drain the water and use. This step helps to keep the paneer soft.
- Pour 1 tbsp oil to a hot pan. When the oil turns hot, add 1 to 2 green cardamoms (optional), ginger & garlic.
- Fry for a minute. Next add 1 cup chopped onions & saute until they turn light golden.
- Put in 1½ cup tomatoes and ¼ teaspoon salt.
- Saute for 2 to 3 mins. Add 12 cashews. Cook covered until soft & mushy.
- Cool this completely. Add to a grinder along with curd/ yogurt (optional) and make a smooth puree.
- Heat 2 tbsps oil in the same pan. Saute 1 inch cinnamon & 1 bay leaf for a minute.
- Lower the heat and add ¼ teaspoon turmeric, ¾ to 1 teaspoon chili powder, sugar (optional), ¾ to 1 teaspoon garam masala and ½ to ¾ teaspoon coriander powder. Mix well.
- Pour the pureed onion tomato mixture. If your puree is not smooth, then pass it through a filter/sieve.
- Saute until the masala comes together and turns thick. Keep stirring to prevent burning.
- Next add ¾ cup green peas. Pour 1 to 1 ¼ cups water. If using fresh peas, boil them until tender in a pot, drain and use. If using frozen peas then you can rinse and use.
- Mix well to make a thick gravy. Add more water if needed.
- Mix and cook covered on a medium heat until the gravy thickens and traces of oil appear over the gravy.
- Crush 1 teaspoon kasuri methi in your palm & sprinkle all over. Mix well.
- Check salt and add more if needed. Add 1 slit green chilli (optional) & 250 grams cubed paneer.
- Cover and cook just for 2 mins. Sprinkle coriander leaves and cream.
- Stir well. Serve matar paneer with jeera rice, naan or paratha.
- Make a fine paste of ginger garlic and keep aside. Bring 1 ½ cups water to a rolling boil and add the onions. Boil for 5 mins and remove them.
- To a blender jar, add chopped tomatoes, boiled onions, cashews, cardamoms and yogurt (optional). Blend them to make a very smooth puree without adding water.
- Press saute button on the instant pot and pour oil. Do not let the pot become too hot. Add bay leaf, cinnamon and ginger garlic (to a side into the oil). Saute for 30 seconds.
- Pour the onion tomato puree. Add red chilli powder, turmeric powder, salt, sugar, coriander powder and garam masala.
- Saute until the mixture turns slightly thicker and aromatic. Cover with an external lid to avoid splatters. This step takes about 5 minutes. Press cancel button.
- Pour 1 cup water and deglaze the pot well. Secure the Instant pot with the lid and position the steam release valve to sealing.
- Press pressure cook button (low) & set the timer to 5 mins. If you want to put your rice together, soak basmati rice for 30 mins and drain the water. Place the rice bowl over a trivet and pour hot water.
- When the IP is done, wait for 6 to 7 minutes & then release the rest of the pressure manually.
- Stir the gravy. Add green peas and cook for 2 minutes. (If you are using fresh peas, you will need to boil them separately and then add here.) To avoid splatters, cover the pot when you cook.
- Taste test and add more salt if needed. If the curry is runny, cook it on saute mode for a few minutes.
- Add kasuri methi, cream and paneer. Stir and Press cancel. Remove the steel insert carefully & cover the pot immediately. Let matar paneer rest for 10 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 371 kcal, Carbohydrate 18 g, Protein 12 g, Fat 28 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, Cholesterol 41 mg, Sodium 764 mg, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 7 g, ServingSize 1 serving
MATAR PANEER
Serve this classic veggie Indian dish with cheese and peas in a spicy tomato sauce as an easy midweek meal. It takes just 25 minutes to make
Provided by Miriam Nice
Categories Dinner, Main course, Supper
Time 25m
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Heat the oil in a frying pan over high heat until it's shimmering hot. Add the paneer, then turn the heat down a little. Fry until it starts to brown at the edges, then turn it over and brown on each side - the paneer will brown faster than you think, so don't walk away. Remove the paneer from the pan and drain on kitchen paper.
- Put the ginger, cumin, turmeric, ground coriander and chilli in the pan, and fry everything for 1 min. Add the tomatoes, mashing them with the back of a spoon and simmer everything for 5 mins until the sauce smells fragrant. Add a splash of water if it's too thick. Season well. Add the peas and simmer for a further 2 mins, then stir in the paneer and sprinkle over the garam masala. Divide between two bowls, top with coriander leaves and serve with naan bread, roti or rice.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 544 calories, Fat 35 grams fat, SaturatedFat 18 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 18 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 14 grams sugar, Fiber 8 grams fiber, Protein 35 grams protein, Sodium 0.1 milligram of sodium
Tips:
- Use fresh green peas: Fresh green peas have a sweeter and more vibrant flavor than frozen or canned peas. If you can't find fresh green peas, frozen peas are a good substitute.
- Soak the cashews: Soaking the cashews for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) will help them blend more smoothly and give the sauce a creamier texture.
- Don't overcook the paneer: Paneer is a delicate cheese that can easily become tough and rubbery if overcooked. Cook it just until it is heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add garam masala at the end: Garam masala is a blend of spices that is often used in Indian cooking. It is best to add it at the end of cooking, so that the flavors can bloom.
- Serve with rice or naan: Matar paneer is traditionally served with rice or naan. It can also be served with roti or paratha.
Conclusion:
Matar paneer is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a good source of protein and calcium, and it is also a good way to get your daily dose of vegetables. This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. With its creamy sauce, tender paneer, and flavorful spices, matar paneer is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love