Recipe For Paneer Matar

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 02, 2025

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Paneer Matar: A Delicious and Easy-to-Make Indian Dish

Paneer Matar, a classic North Indian vegetarian dish, is a delightful combination of soft paneer (Indian cheese) and tender peas in a flavorful tomato-based gravy. This recipe is perfect for beginners and delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Let's dive into the ingredients and steps to create this aromatic and satisfying meal.

Ingredients You'll Need:

• For the Paneer:

  • 200g paneer, cubed (you can also use store-bought paneer)
  • 1 tbsp oil or ghee (clarified butter) for frying
  • Salt to taste

• For the Gravy:

  • 1 tbsp oil or ghee
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 inch ginger, finely grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 green chili, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder
  • ½ tsp garam masala
  • 1 large tomato, pureed (or 1/2 cup canned tomato puree)
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • ½ cup water
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Paneer: Gently fry the paneer cubes in oil or ghee until lightly golden brown. Set aside. This step prevents the paneer from breaking apart in the gravy.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the remaining oil or ghee in a pan or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they soften and turn translucent. This usually takes about 5 minutes.

3. Add Spices: Add the ginger, garlic, and green chili to the pan and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Then, add the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, to prevent burning. The spices will release their aroma, creating a wonderful base for the gravy.

4. Build the Gravy: Add the pureed tomato and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oil starts to separate from the tomato puree. This process helps to deepen the flavor of the gravy.

5. Simmer and Combine: Add the frozen peas, water, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the peas are tender.

6. Add Paneer and Finish: Gently add the fried paneer cubes to the gravy. Stir carefully to coat the paneer evenly. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Avoid overcooking the paneer, as it can become tough.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice, naan, roti, or paratha.

Tips for the Perfect Paneer Matar:

• Don't overcrowd the pan: When frying the paneer, fry in batches to ensure even browning.
• Adjust the spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of green chili to your preferred level of spiciness.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ginger, garlic, and tomatoes will add a brighter, more vibrant flavor to your dish.
• Make it ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day!

This recipe is a fantastic starting point; feel free to experiment with adding other vegetables like potatoes or carrots for a heartier meal. Enjoy your homemade Paneer Matar! Remember to share your culinary creations using #PaneerMatarRecipe!