Matar Paneer I

Matar Paneer I Recipe - Delicious Vegetarian Dish from India

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Matar Paneer is a popular North Indian dish made with cottage cheese (paneer) and green peas (matar) cooked in a flavorful tomato-based gravy. This vegetarian dish is loved for its creamy texture and rich taste, making it a favorite among both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

History

Matar Paneer has its origins in North India, where it is a staple in many households and restaurants. The dish is believed to have been created centuries ago, with variations in ingredients and cooking techniques evolving over time. Today, Matar Paneer is enjoyed all over the world for its delicious flavors and comforting appeal.

Ingredients

400 g of paneer (cottage cheese), cut into 1 inch cubes and fried till lightly brown on all sides
2 cups of finely chopped onions
1 cup of chopped tomatoes
1 cup of frozen green peas
2 – 3 finely chopped green chillies
1 tbsp of tomato paste
1 tbsp of ginger-garlic paste
0.5 tsp of red chili powder
0.25 tsp of turmeric powder
1 tsp of coriander powder
0.5 tsp of garam masala
1 tbsp of cumin seeds
salt, to taste
2 tbsp of cooking oil
2 cups of water
chopped coriander leaves, for garnish
0.25 cup of fresh coriander leaves

How to prepare

In a pan, heat some oil and add cumin seeds. Let them sizzle.
Add onions and fry until they turn slightly brown.
Add green chillies and tomatoes. Cook until all the juices dry up and it forms a thick consistency.
Add ginger-garlic paste, tomato paste, red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric, and salt. Cook until fragrant and all the spices blend nicely.
Pour in water and bring it to a boil. Add paneer pieces and peas. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes.
Sprinkle garam masala and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
Serve warm with rotis or naan.

Variations

Add cashew paste or cream for a richer and creamier gravy.
Include other vegetables like bell peppers, potatoes, or carrots for added flavor and nutrition.
Use tofu instead of paneer for a vegan version of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Fry the paneer cubes before adding them to the gravy to give them a crispy texture.

- Use fresh green peas for the best flavor, but frozen peas can also be used as a convenient alternative.

- Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by adding more or less green chillies and red chili powder.

- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a burst of freshness and color.

Serving Suggestions

Matar Paneer can be served with roti, naan, rice, or pulao for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Frying the paneer before adding it to the gravy helps retain its shape and texture.

- Cooking the onions and tomatoes until they form a thick consistency enhances the flavor of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use tofu or mushrooms as a substitute for paneer.

- Replace green peas with chickpeas or kidney beans for a different twist.

Make Ahead Tips

Matar Paneer can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of roasted cashews for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Matar Paneer with a side of cucumber raita, pickles, and papad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Matar Paneer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 20g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Matar Paneer is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Calcium, and Iron.

Alergens

Contains dairy (paneer)

Summary

Matar Paneer is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Matar Paneer is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a family meal or special occasion. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Meena in her bustling kitchen. Meena was a wonderful cook, and she always had the most delicious dishes simmering on her stove. That day, she was making a dish I had never tried before - Matar Paneer.

As I watched her chop vegetables and stir the fragrant spices into the pot, I couldn't help but ask her for the recipe. Meena smiled and told me that she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through generations. She explained each ingredient and step with such enthusiasm that I knew I had to try making it myself.

That evening, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen. I carefully followed Meena's instructions, adding the peas and paneer to the rich tomato gravy and allowing it to simmer until the flavors melded together perfectly. The aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the final result.

When I took my first bite of the Matar Paneer, I knew I had found a new favorite dish. The creaminess of the paneer paired perfectly with the sweet peas and the aromatic spices, creating a dish that was both comforting and satisfying. I immediately shared the recipe with my family and friends, who all raved about how delicious it was.

Over the years, I have made Matar Paneer countless times, each time tweaking the recipe slightly to fit my own taste preferences. I have added extra garlic and ginger for a more intense flavor, or swapped out the peas for spinach for a healthier twist. No matter how I choose to make it, Matar Paneer always remains a staple in my kitchen.

As I reflect on the journey that led me to discover this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for Meena and her generosity in sharing her family's culinary heritage with me. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I am constantly seeking out new recipes and techniques to expand my culinary skills. Finding the recipe for Matar Paneer was a turning point for me, as it introduced me to a whole new world of flavors and possibilities.

I am now known among my family and friends as the Matar Paneer expert, and I am always happy to share my knowledge and passion for this dish with anyone who is interested. I have even taught my own grandchildren how to make it, passing down the recipe just as Meena's grandmother did all those years ago.

In the end, the recipe for Matar Paneer is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions - it is a symbol of the connections we form through food, the memories we create in the kitchen, and the joy we experience when sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. I am grateful for the role this recipe has played in my life, and I look forward to continuing to savor its flavors for years to come.