Mutter Paneer Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Indian Dish
Mutter Paneer, a classic North Indian vegetarian dish, is a delightful combination of creamy paneer cheese and tender green peas in a rich and flavorful tomato-based gravy. This recipe offers a step-by-step guide to making this delicious dish at home. It's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Let's dive in!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
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For the Paneer:
- 250g Paneer (Indian cheese), cubed
- 1 tbsp Oil or Ghee (clarified butter)
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For the Gravy:
- 1 tbsp Oil or Ghee
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 1 inch Ginger, finely grated
- 2-3 Green Chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tsp Garam Masala
- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tsp Coriander Powder
- ½ tsp Red Chili Powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- ½ tsp Cumin Powder
- 250g Tomatoes, pureed
- 1 cup Green Peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup Water
- Salt to taste
- Fresh Coriander Leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Cream (optional, for extra richness)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Prepare the Paneer: Lightly sauté the cubed paneer in oil or ghee until lightly browned. Set aside. This step adds a delightful texture and flavor to the paneer.
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Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, heat oil or ghee. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Then, add the grated ginger and green chilies, sautéing for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the foundation of the flavor profile.
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Bloom Spices: Add the garam masala, turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and cumin powder. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This step releases the essential oils from the spices, enhancing their aroma and taste.
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Add Tomatoes and Peas: Add the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil starts to separate from the mixture. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the green peas.
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Simmer the Gravy: Pour in the water, add salt to taste, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Combine and Finish: Gently stir in the sautéed paneer cubes. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If desired, stir in a dollop of cream for extra richness and creaminess.
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Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with naan, roti, rice, or jeera rice.
Tips for the Best Mutter Paneer:
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh ingredients will significantly enhance the taste of your Mutter Paneer.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder to your preference.
- Don't Overcook the Paneer: Overcooked paneer can become rubbery. Sauté it lightly to retain its soft texture.
- Simmering Time: The simmering time might vary depending on the consistency of your sauce. Adjust as needed.
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