How to make matar paneer

Matar Paneer is a popular North Indian dish made with peas (matar) and paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a rich and creamy tomato-based gravy. It’s a delicious vegetarian dish that pairs well with naan, roti, or rice. Here’s a simple recipe to make Matar Paneer at home:

Ingredients:

• 200 grams paneer, cubed
• 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 cup fresh cream (or use cashew paste as a substitute)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves (cilantro) for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat ghee or vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds until they release their aroma.
3. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
4. Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chilies. Sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
6. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, and then transfer it to a blender. Blend it into a smooth puree.
7. Return the tomato-onion puree to the pan and place it over low heat.
8. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground cloves, and salt. Mix well and cook the masala for a few minutes until the oil starts to separate from it.
9. Stir in the fresh cream (or cashew paste) and mix well to make the gravy rich and creamy.
10. Add the green peas to the gravy and cook for 5 minutes until they are partially cooked.
11. Gently add the paneer cubes to the gravy and mix them in, making sure not to break the paneer pieces. Cook for another 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
12. Sprinkle garam masala over the matar paneer and mix it gently.
13. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Your delicious Matar Paneer is now ready to be served! It goes well with naan, roti, or steamed rice. Enjoy this flavorful and creamy vegetarian dish!