Matar Paneer

MATAR PANEER

Matar paneer is one of the most popular dishes in North India. Paneer and green peas are cooked in a onion-tomato gravy with spices. It goes best with naan or rotis !!

Course: Main course

Cuisine: North Indian

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Serves: 4

Author: Saranya Prabhu

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 2 whole green cardamom
• 4 - 5 black peppercorns
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 medium onion, roughly chopped
• 1-inch ginger
• 4 large garlic cloves
• 1-2 green chilies
• 3 medium tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
• 3/4th teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• salt to taste
• 1.25 cups water
• 250 grams paneer
• 1/2 cup green peas
• coriander leaves for garnish

HOW TO MAKE

Note: If using store brought paneer, soak in warm water for 20 minutes before you start the recipe. Also, soak frozen green peas in warm water for 10minutes.

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan on medium heat. once the oil is hot add green cardamom, black peppercorns, and cumin seeds. Sizzle for a few seconds.
2. Now add the ginger, garlic, green chili, and onions. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes till the onions are light brown and soft.
3. Then add the chopped tomatoes and mix. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for 7 to 8 minutes until the tomatoes fully cooked.
4. Remove pan from heat and let the mixture cool down. Transfer to a mixture jar and grind to a smooth paste. Set it aside.
5. Heat a tablespoon of butter in the same pan. Add bay leaf and then add red chili powder. Saute for a few seconds.
6. Now add the prepared onion-tomato paste. Mix well.
7. Now add all the masala powders - Coriander, garam masala, cumin, and turmeric powder. Mix well and cook for 1 minute.
8. Add water to the pan and let it come to a boil.
9. Add paneer cubes and green peas. Stir and cover the pan. Cook for more 6 to 7 minutes on medium heat.
10. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.