Authentic Matar Paneer: Restaurant style recipe at home
Indian cuisine is a treasure trove of mouthwatering dishes, and Matar Paneer is a beloved classic. This delightful vegetarian recipe combines soft paneer (cottage cheese) with sweet green peas in a rich, aromatic tomato-based gravy, spiced to perfection. Whether you’re an amateur in the kitchen or a seasoned pro, this Matar Paneer recipe is designed to make your culinary journey hassle-free, budget-friendly, and utterly delicious. Let’s embark on this culinary adventure and prepare a tasty meal that will delight four hungry souls.
Origin:
Matar Paneer originates from the vibrant North Indian cuisine, particularly the Punjab region. North Indian cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors and hearty meals, and Matar Paneer is no exception. The combination of tender peas and creamy paneer in a spiced tomato gravy encapsulates the essence of North Indian cooking, making it a favorite in households and eateries throughout the country.
Ingredients You'll Need:
To create Matar Paneer for four people, gather the following ingredients:
For the paneer and marination:
- 250g paneer (cottage cheese), cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons yogurt (curd)
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
For the Matar Paneer gravy:
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
For garish:
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
How to make Matar Paneer
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of preparing delicious Matar Paneer:
- Marinate the Paneer:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the paneer cubes with yogurt, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Ensure the paneer is well-coated with the marinade, and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
- Sauté the Paneer:
- Heat a non-stick pan or kadhai and add a tablespoon of cooking oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the marinated paneer cubes and sauté them until they turn light golden brown.
- Remove the paneer from the pan and set it aside.
- Prepare the Gravy:
- In the same pan, add another tablespoon of cooking oil.
- Add cumin seeds (jeera) and let them sizzle.
- Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
- Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for a couple of minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
- Spice It Up:
- Add red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala to the pan.
- Stir well and cook for a minute to let the spices meld.
- Add Tomatoes and Peas:
- Add the finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and the oil begins to separate from the mixture.
- Toss in the green peas (matar) and stir well.
- Simmer and Season:
- Cover the pan and let the peas cook for about 5 minutes, ensuring they retain a slight crunch.
- Season the mixture with salt to taste.
- Combine Paneer and Gravy:
- Gently add the sautéed paneer back into the pan.
- Stir carefully to coat the paneer with the flavorful gravy.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Finish your Matar Paneer with a garnish of fresh coriander leaves.
- Your mouth-watering Matar Paneer is ready to be served!
Serving:
Matar Paneer is best enjoyed hot and is traditionally served with steamed rice, naan, or roti. It pairs wonderfully with a side of refreshing cucumber raita or a simple green salad to balance the flavors.
Tips for Cooking:
Here are some handy tips to make your Matar Paneer preparation easy, budget-friendly, and extraordinarily delicious:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh paneer and green peas are essential for elevating the flavors of your dish.
- Adjust Spice Level: Customize the amount of red chili powder to suit your preference. For a milder dish, use less; for more heat, add extra.
- Yogurt Substitute: If you run out of yogurt, you can replace it with milk or cream for a creamier texture.
- Frozen Peas: If fresh peas are unavailable, frozen peas work perfectly and are budget-friendly.
Variation:
Matar Paneer is a versatile dish that you can customize to suit your taste. Here are some creative variations to consider:
- Kaju Matar Paneer: Add a handful of cashews (kaju) while making the gravy for a richer and creamier dish.
- Spicy Matar Paneer: Introduce some chopped green chilies or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Paneer Tikka Matar Paneer: Marinate the paneer in tandoori masala and roast it before adding it to the gravy for a smoky flavor.
- Vegan Matar Paneer: Replace paneer with tofu and use vegan yogurt to create a dairy-free version.
Utensils List:
For this easy and budget-friendly recipe, you’ll need the following utensils:
Conclusion:
Matar Paneer is a delightful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. This recipe provides a straightforward and budget-friendly way to savor the rich, aromatic flavors of North Indian cuisine. With a handful of readily available ingredients and simple steps, you can treat your family or guests to a hearty, comforting meal that will leave everyone coming back for more. So, put on your apron, head to the kitchen, and prepare this mouthwatering Matar Paneer. Your taste buds and your wallet will both thank you! Enjoy!
