: A Classic North Indian Curry With Peas And Cottage Cheese
25 mins
Cooking Time
Easy
Difficulty
21
Ingredients
Veg + Dairy
Diet
Matar paneer is a classic vegetarian delight from North India, cherished for its rich flavours, balanced blend of spices, and creamy texture. The dish features soft green peas and juicy paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cubes, cooked in a rich onion-tomato sauce with flavourful spices. Matar Paneer never fails to please, whether it's for a celebratory occasion, a family get-together, or a hearty weeknight dinner. It tastes superb with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice and pairs well with Indian flatbreads like naan, roti, or paratha.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
200 gPaneer cubes
1 cupGreen peas (fresh or frozen)
½ cupWater (or as needed)
2 tbspFresh cream
2 tbspOil or ghee
1 tbspButter (optional, for richness)
1Large onion, finely chopped
2Medium tomatoes, pureed
1Green chili, slit
1 tspGinger-garlic paste
1 tspCumin seeds
1Bay leaf
1-inchCinnamon stick
2–3Green cardamom pods
1 tspCoriander powder
1 tspCumin powder
½ tspTurmeric powder
1½ tspRed chili powder
1½ tspGaram masala
½ tspKasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), crushed
If using frozen peas, soak 1 cup in warm water for 5 minutes.
Description - Step 2
Step 2: Prepare Base Masala
Heat 2 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp butter in a heavy-bottomed pan.
Add 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 bay leaf, 1-inch cinnamon stick, and 2–3 green cardamom pods and sauté until fragrant.
Add chopped onions and green chilli. Fry on medium flame until onions turn golden brown, and then add 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste. Sauté for a minute until the raw aroma goes away.
Description - Step 3
Step 3: Cook Tomatoes & Spices
Add the tomato puree and cook until oil starts separating from the masala.
Stir in 1 tsp coriander powder, 1 tsp cumin powder, ½ tsp turmeric, 1½ tsp red chili powder, and salt to taste.
Mix well and cook for 2–3 minutes.
Description - Step 4
Step 4: Add Peas & Simmer
Add green peas and ½ cup water or as needed.
Cover and cook until peas are tender.
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a swirl of cream.
Description - Step 5
Step 5: Add Paneer
Gently add paneer cubes to the gravy.
Stir lightly so the paneer doesn’t break.
Cook for 2 minutes to absorb flavours.
Description - Step 6
Step 6: Finish & Garnish
Add 1½ tsp garam masala, ½ tsp crushed kasuri methi, and 2 tbsp fresh cream.
Stir gently and simmer for 2 minutes on low flame.
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Indian
Easy
Main Course
