MATAR PANEER

Matar Paneer is a popular North Indian dish prepared with green peas and cottage cheese in a delicious and flavorful curry.

‘Matar’ is the Hindi word for ‘green peas’, and ‘paneer’ means ‘cottage cheese’. This classic dish likely originated in Punjab, but its preparation varies across India, with each family having its own recipe.

Matar Paneer is often served with rice or Indian flatbreads like Roti, Naan, Paratha, or Puri.

This delicious recipe features smooth and creamy gravy, typically prepared in winter when fresh and tender green peas are available.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4 persons

Ingredients:

For Onion-Tomato Paste:

• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 onions (cut into slices)
• 2 tomatoes (cut into slices)
• 5 garlic cloves
• 10 cashew nuts
• 1″ piece ginger

Other Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 cup green peas (boiled)
• 1 cup paneer cubes
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 green cardamom
• 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tbsp kasuri methi
• 1/2 tsp garam masala

Method:

1. Heat oil in a pressure cooker. Add onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté for a couple of minutes. Then, add tomatoes and cashew nuts and sauté for a while. Close the lid and pressure cook for three whistles. Once the pressure releases and cools down, grind into a smooth paste. If needed, pass through a sieve.
2. Now, heat oil in a pan. Add bay leaf and green cardamom, and sauté for a few seconds, followed by dry spices (except garam masala). Sauté until spices turn aromatic. Then, add the prepared paste and cook on low flame until oil separates.
3. Further, add approximately one cup of water and salt. Once it starts boiling, add green peas and paneer, and mix well.
4. Turn the flame to low, cover, and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes. Then, add garam masala and kasuri methi, and cook for 1-3 minutes. Finally, turn off the heat.
5. Serve hot with your choice of flatbread and condiments.