Matar Paneer, a staple of Indian cuisine, is a delicious blend of soft paneer cubes (Indian cottage cheese) and brilliant green peas cooked in a thick and fragrant tomato-based sauce. This cherished dish by this Matar Paneer Recipe has a special place in the hearts of many people, whether it is served as a comfortable home-cooked meal or during joyful celebrations. In this Matar Paneer Recipe, we’ll look at how to make Matar Paneer from scratch, uncovering the secrets to creating a flavorful and aromatic dish.Let us begin with Matar Paneer Recipe.

Matar Paneer Recipe

Ingredients For Matar Paneer Recipe:

For the Gravy:

2 tablespoons oil or ghee
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, pureed
1-inch piece of ginger, grated
3-4 garlic cloves, minced
1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
Salt to taste
1/4 cup fresh cream (optional)

For the Matar Paneer:

200g paneer, cubed
1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), crushed
Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish

Step by Step Guide for Matar Paneer Recipe:

Step 1: Prepare the gravy

Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Allow cumin seeds to splutter.
Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
Mix in the grated ginger, minced garlic, and chopped green chilli (if using). Sauté for one minute until aromatic.
Add the tomato puree and simmer until the oil separates from the mixture.
Combine the coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the peas and paneer

Cook the green peas in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly soft.
Gently add the paneer cubes to the sauce and cook for another 3-4 minutes to allow the flavours to combine.
Crush the kasuri methi in your fingers and sprinkle it over the Matar Paneer. Mix well.

Step 3: Finish with fresh cream (optional)

To give the Matar Paneer a deeper texture, mix in fresh cream until completely incorporated. This step is optional, but it lends a creamy richness to the recipe.

Step 4: Garnish and serve

Garnish Matar Paneer with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of colour and flavour.
Serve hot with roti, naan, or steaming rice for a nutritious and filling dinner.

Tips for the Perfect Matar Paneer:

1. Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the tomato puree and tender green peas for the best flavor and texture.
2. Paneer Preparation: Soften store-bought paneer in warm water for 15-20 minutes before adding it to the sauce.
3. Spice Level: Adjust the amount of green chilli and red chilli powder to your liking.
4. The gravy should have a smooth, creamy texture. To reach the correct thickness, add more water or cook for longer.
5. Variations: Feel free to add other veggies, such as bell peppers, carrots, or potatoes, for added texture and flavour.

1. Nutritional Benefits: Matar Paneer contains important nutrients, making it a wholesome and nutritious food.

Protein: Paneer is high in protein, which is necessary for muscle repair and development.
Vitamins: Tomatoes in the sauce include vitamin C, while paneer has vitamin A, both of which are essential for immune function and eye health.
Minerals: Green peas are high in iron and potassium, which are necessary for proper blood circulation and electrolyte balance.
Fibre: The combination of peas and tomatoes increases dietary fibre, which aids digestion and promotes satiety.

2. Cultural Significance: Matar Paneer is a popular dish in Indian cuisine, appreciated across geographies and events.

Festivals and festivities: Matar Paneer is frequently served at festivals and festivities, representing abundance and prosperity.
Matar Paneer is a vegetarian dish with great importance in Indian culture, particularly during religious observances and fasting periods.
Family events: It’s a popular option for family and social events, bringing loved ones together around the dining table to share hearty and savoury meals.

3. Culinary Traditions: Matar Paneer embodies generations-old cooking practices.

Spice Blends: The addition of fragrant spices such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala adds depth and richness to the meal, demonstrating the expertise behind Indian spice blends.
gently simmering: Traditional recipes frequently call for gently simmering the gravy to allow the flavours to fully develop, yielding a rich and savoury sauce that coats the paneer and peas.

4. Versatility: Matar Paneer can be customised to meet different dietary needs and tastes.

Vegan Option: In place of paneer, use tofu or boiled potatoes, and plant-based cream or coconut milk instead of dairy cream.
Regional Variations: Each region of India has its own version of Matar Paneer, which incorporates local ingredients and flavours. Some recipes, for example, may utilise yoghurt or milk to create a creamy texture, but others may use cashew paste to add richness.

5. Health Tips: Although Matar Paneer is nutritious, it’s important to limit portion quantities and choose healthy ingredients.

Matar Paneer should be consumed in moderation as part of a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of vegetables and nutritious grains.
Homemade Preparation: Making Matar Paneer at home allows you to control the quality of the ingredients while avoiding the additional oil and sodium found in restaurant versions.
Dietary Restrictions: Lactose intolerant people can substitute lactose-free paneer or tofu, while gluten-sensitive people can eat Matar Paneer with gluten-free bread or rice.

Matar Paneer is more than simply a meal; it’s a culinary masterpiece that highlights the rich and various flavours of Indian cuisine. With this precise Matar Paneer Recipe, you can replicate the magic of Matar Paneer in your own home and surprise your family and friends with your culinary abilities.

Matar Paneer, whether served as a weeknight supper or on special occasions, is sure to satisfy your taste senses and leave you wanting more. Unlock the secrets of this classic Indian meal and embark on a savoury adventure that will undoubtedly become a household favourite by this Matar Paneer Recipe.

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