Greetings, my fellow foodies! I’m excited to take you on a gastronomic journey that is full of flavorful spices, luxurious textures, and the comforting spirit of our country as an avid Indian food blogger. Today, we’re highlighting the well-known “Matar Paneer recipe”—a meal that perfectly captures the spirit of India’s culinary heritage. Prepare to go out on a trip that will tantalise your taste buds and bring back memories. So let’s explore the amazing Matar Paneer Recipe!
Table of Contents
Introduction to Matar Paneer
The traditional North Indian meal matar paneer, popularly referred to as “Green Peas and Cottage Cheese Curry,” captures the real spirit of Indian cooking. This delicious vegetarian dish combines creamy paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with soft green peas and simmers them all in a thick tomato-based sauce. The combination of flavourful spices and sumptuous textures makes Matar Paneer a favourite in both homes and eateries, providing a memorable culinary experience.
Serving Size of Matar Paneer Recipe
The recipe feeds about 4 people.
Prep Time, Cook Time & Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Calorie and Micronutrients
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Calcium | 250mg |
| Iron | 2.5mg |
| Vitamin C | 15mg |
Refer Nutritionist for further details on micronutrients.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green Peas | 1 cup |
| Paneer (Cottage Cheese) | 200g |
| Tomatoes | 3 medium-sized |
| Onion | 1 large |
| Ginger | 1-inch piece |
| Garlic | 4-5 cloves |
| Cashews | 10-12 |
| Green Chilies | 2 |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Cumin Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chili Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala | 1 teaspoon |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh Cream | 2 tablespoons |
| Coriander Leaves | For garnishing |
| Salt | To taste |
Step-by-step Cooking Instructions
- To start, blanch the tomatoes. Make a few little cuts in their skin, drop them into boiling water for three to four minutes, then peel the skin and purée it.
- Cumin seeds are added to hot oil in a skillet and allowed to sputter. After that, stir in the finely chopped onion and cook until golden.
- Add green chilies, ginger, and garlic to the mixture. Before adding cashews, sauté for a few minutes. The cashews should be sautéed until slightly golden.
- After the mixture has cooled, blitz it into a smooth paste.
- Put the paste and ghee in the same pan. After a brief period of sautéing, add the tomato puree, turmeric powder, and red chilli powder. Cook the mixture until the edges of the pan start to come away.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes after adding fresh cream and garam spices.
- Green peas and paneer cubes should be added now. Cook the paneer for 5-7 minutes to allow it to absorb the flavours.
- Sprinkle the dish with the kasuri methi that you have crushed between your hands. Gently stir.
- Add chopped coriander leaves as a garnish.
- Your taste buds are about to be delighted by your tasty Matar Paneer!
What to Serve Alongside Matar Paneer Recipe
Fresh naan or steamed rice go incredibly well with matar paneer. While rice is the ideal vessel for absorbing the rich sauce, the soft naan’s texture pairs well with the creamy curry. Serve it with a side of cucumber and onion salad to add even more freshness.
- Shahi Matar Paneer: Add a dash of royal indulgence to the meal to make it better. For a sumptuous touch, add cream, saffron, and a dash of nutmeg to the gravy.
- Palak Matar Paneer: By combining blanched spinach with the tomato-onion-cashew mixture, you can impart the nutritional value of spinach into the dish. This provides additional nutrients and a vivid green colour.
- Mushroom Matar Paneer: To give the traditional recipe a delicious umami flavour and a distinctive texture, add sautéed mushrooms.
History of the Dish
The Mughal era, when regal chefs created elaborate delicacies, is where the origins of the Matar Paneer Recipe may be found. The sumptuous combination of tomatoes, cashews, and flavorful spices captures the splendour of Mughal cuisine. This dish became well-liked throughout India as a result of its tasteful blending of flavours and textures. Read more about the history of matar paneer recipe here.
Fun Facts About Matar Paneer
- Due to the expensive components used in its production, matar paneer was once regarded as a meal for rare occasions.
- Green peas are referred to as “Matar” and cottage cheese is referred to as “Paneer” in Hindi.
- The dish’s brilliant colours represent unity in variety on a plate and are reflective of India’s rich cultural diversity.
Conclusion
A gastronomic trip through India’s history and a symphony of flavours that speak to the soul can be found in the Matar Paneer Recipe. The food has a very wonderful way of bringing back old memories and making new ones. So gather your supplies, light your fire and allow the enticing aroma of Indian food to take you there.
Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh ones?
Yes frozen peas works equally well
Can I make Matar Paneer in advance?
Absolutely! Remove the paneer and peas before making the curry. For a fresher flavour, reheat the curry before adding the paneer and peas when you’re ready to serve.
How can I make the dish spicier?
Depending on your preferred level of heat, change the amount of green or red chilli powder.
Can I replace paneer with tofu for a vegan version of the Matar Paneer Recipe?
Yes, you may replace the paneer in this dish with tofu. Before using, be sure to squeeze and cube the tofu.
Is Matar Paneer suitable for freezing?
The dish can be frozen without the paneer and peas, but fresh is ideal. When reheating, defrost them and add them.
Remember, cooking is an art that allows you to infuse your personal touch into each dish. Let your Matar Paneer be a canvas for your culinary creativity. Happy cooking!
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