Matar Paneer recipe is a super popular North Indian dish loved for its comforting flavors and simple ingredients. This authentic Matar Paneer recipe combines creamy paneer with sweet green peas in a tasty tomato-based gravy. Whether you call it Paneer Matar Masala or Punjabi Mutter Paneer, it’s enjoyed everywhere, from roadside dhabas to fancy restaurants!
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About Matar Paneer Recipe
Matar Paneer Recipe originates from northern India, especially Punjab, where paneer is a key ingredient in many dishes. “Matar” means green peas, and “Paneer” is Indian cottage cheese, making them the stars of the dish.
This dish has been a family favorite for generations, offering comfort, flavor, and nutrition in one! Compared to other vegetarian curries, it’s rich and creamy, which is why people love it.
What’s great is that it’s versatile—you can enjoy it in different styles, like Punjabi Style or Dhaba style, or even try a simple version for quick cooking! Plus, you can adjust the gravy’s texture to be thick and creamy or light and tangy.
Why Matar Paneer?
Matar Paneer recipe is the perfect balance of simplicity and complexity. On one hand, it’s super easy to make, but on the other, it’s bursting with rich flavors!
The sweetness of the peas blends so beautifully with the creamy richness of the paneer, creating a comforting combo that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
What makes it even better are the spices—the curry’s depth of flavor comes from a mix of cumin, coriander, and garam masala, which adds just the right amount of warmth and excitement to each bite.
That’s why it’s such a beloved comfort food—whether it's for a cozy dinner at home or a special family gathering, Matar Paneer always hits the spot!
Why I Love This Recipe❤️
- Comforting & Flavorful: First of all, Matar Paneer is super comforting, with its creamy, rich gravy and the soft paneer that melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect meal for cozy evenings!
- Easy to Make: What’s great is that it’s really easy to cook, even for beginners like me! Just toss in a few ingredients, and you’re set.
- Versatile: You can make it mild or spicy, depending on your mood! Plus, it pairs perfectly with naan or rice, making it a go-to meal for any occasion.
- Nutrient-Packed: Not to mention, the green peas add vitamins, and the paneer gives you that much-needed protein!
Hungry for more? Check out these mouthwatering recipes!
- Matar Paratha: Soft, flaky parathas filled with spiced peas—perfect for breakfast or a snack!
- Matar Poha: A light, flavorful dish with peas and flattened rice—just right for a quick meal!
- Paneer 65 : Crispy, spicy paneer bites that are impossible to stop munching on!
- Paneer Bread Roll : Delicious paneer wrapped in crispy bread—snack time just got better!
- Paneer Butter Masala : Creamy, rich, and totally irresistible! A classic that's loved by everyone.
What You'll Need to Make This Matar Paneer Recipe?
Key Ingredients:
Ingredients Breakdown:
- Paneer: Fresh, soft paneer is the secret to a great Matar Paneer! It soaks up the rich curry flavors, making every bite creamy and comforting. You can even make your own paneer at home! It's easier than you think and tastes way better than store-bought. If you're vegan, tofu works as a great alternative!
- Fresh vs. Frozen Peas: Fresh peas are sweet and tender, but frozen peas are a good backup and are often easier to find. If using frozen peas, try sautéing them with a little butter or ghee to bring out their sweetness, making them taste closer to fresh peas!
- Spices and Aromatics:
- Garam Masala: This spice blend adds a warm, earthy flavor that elevates the curry. It’s a must for that authentic taste!
- Turmeric, Cumin, Coriander: These spices bring warmth, depth, and a hint of earthiness to the dish, giving it that signature curry flavor.
- Tomatoes, Onions, Ginger, Garlic: These aromatics form the base of the gravy. The balance of these ingredients determines how rich or tangy your curry will be, so adjust as needed!
- Optional Ingredients: Add kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for a subtle, herbal flavor or stir in a little fresh cream or yogurt to make the curry even richer and creamier!
How to Make Matar Paneer Recipe?
Step by Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- First, cut the paneer into small cubes that are easy to eat.
- Next, if you’re using fresh peas, boil them in water for about 5 minutes until they become soft. If you’re using frozen peas, simply rinse them and set them aside for now.
- Then, chop the onions finely and blend the tomatoes into a smooth puree.
2. Fry the Paneer
- Now, heat 1 tablespoon of oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat.
- Next, carefully add the paneer cubes and fry them until they are golden brown on all sides. This step makes them crispy and tasty!
- Afterwards, take the paneer out and place it on a paper towel to soak up any extra oil. If you prefer, you can also soak the fried paneer in warm water for about 10 minutes to keep it soft.
3. Make the Base for the Curry
- First, add a little more oil to the same pan.
- Next, toss in the cumin seeds and let them sizzle in the hot oil.
- Then, add the chopped onions and cook them until they turn golden brown.
- Afterward, stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute, allowing the strong aroma to fade.
4. Add the Spices
- First, sprinkle in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Next, mix everything together well to coat the spices evenly.
- Then, pour in the tomato puree and let it cook for about 7-8 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil begins to separate from the mixture.
- Finally, add the sliced green chilies for that extra burst of flavor!
5. Cook the Peas and Paneer
- Next, add the boiled or rinsed peas and stir everything together to mix well.
- Then, pour in 1 cup of water, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to cook the peas.
- After that, add the fried paneer cubes and season with salt to taste. Stir well to coat the paneer in the delicious curry!
6. Add the Final Touches
- First, sprinkle in some garam masala and crushed kasuri methi for that extra burst of flavor.
- Next, stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh cream if you prefer a creamier, richer sauce.
- Finally, let it cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes so all the flavors blend together perfectly.
7. Garnish
- Finally, finish it off by sprinkling fresh coriander leaves on top. This adds a burst of color and freshness! Now, dig in and enjoy your mouth-watering Matar Paneer!
Creative Twists and Variations
- Kashmiri Matar Paneer: To start, add saffron, dried ginger powder, and a touch of yogurt for a deliciously aromatic twist! This gives the dish a unique and rich flavor.
- Cashew Paste: If you’re craving a creamier curry, blend cashews into the gravy. This will make the texture smoother and richer!
- Spicy Matar Paneer: For spice lovers, you can easily increase the heat by adding extra chili powder, fresh green chilies, or even red chili paste!
- Add Bell Peppers or Potatoes: If you want more variety, try adding colorful bell peppers or soft boiled potatoes for extra heartiness and crunch.
- Vegan Matar Paneer: On the other hand, if you're vegan, simply swap paneer with tofu and use coconut cream or almond milk for a rich, dairy-free version!
Serving Suggestions
What to Serve It With: First, you can pair Matar Paneer with warm, fluffy naan, soft roti, or fragrant jeera rice. For a fun twist, try serving it with pulao or tandoori roti to make the meal extra special!
Accompaniments: To balance the richness of the curry, serve it with cooling raita, a crunchy kachumber salad, or even a tangy mango pickle for a burst of flavor and freshness!
Indian-Style Platter: Alternatively, you could serve Matar Paneer as part of a classic Indian thali or platter. Add some dal tadka, aloo gobi, and a serving of rice for a well-rounded, mouthwatering feast!
Tips for the Perfect Matar Paneer
1. Paneer Prep Tips: To keep the paneer soft and tender, try soaking it in warm water for 10 minutes before using it. Alternatively, if you like firmer paneer, you can lightly fry it until golden. Either way, it’ll absorb all the delicious flavors from the curry!
2. Spice Level Control: Remember, spice levels can be adjusted based on your taste! If you prefer a milder flavor, add less chili powder. But, if you love a fiery kick, feel free to spice it up with extra green chilies or red chili paste for that perfect heat!
3. Perfect Consistency: To get the gravy just right, add water or cream depending on how thick or light you want it. For a rich, creamy gravy, go for extra cream, but if you prefer something lighter, a little water will do the trick!
4. Resting Time: After cooking, let your curry rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows all the spices and flavors to blend together, making the Matar Paneer taste even more amazing!
Did you try this Matar Paneer recipe? Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and share it on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!
❔FAQs
To make the Matar Paneer curry thicker, blend a few soaked cashews or almonds with the tomato puree. You can also add a tablespoon of yogurt or fresh cream for added richness and thickness. Let the curry simmer longer to reduce excess liquid.
Yes, you can skip frying the paneer if you prefer a lighter version. Just add raw paneer cubes directly into the curry, and they will absorb the flavors. Soaking the paneer in warm water for 10 minutes beforehand keeps them soft.
Matar Paneer can be made healthier by reducing the amount of oil or ghee used and opting for low-fat paneer. It's rich in protein from paneer and fiber from peas, making it a nutritious dish, especially when served with whole grains like brown rice or whole-wheat roti.
Yes, you can freeze Matar Paneer. Allow it to cool, store it in an airtight container, and freeze for up to a month. When reheating, thaw it first and add a little water or cream to restore the curry's consistency.
Matar Paneer Recipe
Ingredients
- 250 grams Paneer cubed
- 1 Cup Green peas (Matar) (fresh or frozen)
- 2 Onion medium-sized, finelychopped
- 3 Tomatoes medium-sized, pureed
- 2 Green chilies slit
- 1 tablespoon Ginger-Garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon Coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon Garam masala
- 1 teaspoon Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- 2 tablespoon Fresh cream (optional)
- 2 tablespoon Oil or ghee
- Salt to taste
- 1 Cup Water
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- First, cut the paneer into small cubes that are easy to eat.
- Next, if you’re using fresh peas, boil them in water for about 5 minutes until they become soft. If you’re using frozen peas, simply rinse them and set them aside for now.
- Then, chop the onions finely and blend the tomatoes into a smooth puree.
Fry the Paneer
- Now, heat 1 tablespoon of oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat.
- Next, carefully add the paneer cubes and fry them until they are golden brown on all sides. This step makes them crispy and tasty!
- Afterwards, take the paneer out and place it on a paper towel to soak up any extra oil. If you prefer, you can also soak the fried paneer in warm water for about 10 minutes to keep it soft.
Make the Base for the Curry
- First, add a little more oil to the same pan.
- Next, toss in the cumin seeds and let them sizzle in the hot oil.
- Then, add the chopped onions and cook them until they turn golden brown.
- Afterward, stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute, allowing the strong aroma to fade.
Add the Spices
- First, sprinkle in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Next, mix everything together well to coat the spices evenly.
- Then, pour in the tomato puree and let it cook for about 7-8 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil begins to separate from the mixture.
- Finally, add the sliced green chilies for that extra burst of flavor!
Cook the Peas and Paneer
- Next, add the boiled or rinsed peas and stir everything together to mix well.
- Then, pour in 1 cup of water, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to cook the peas.
- After that, add the fried paneer cubes and season with salt to taste. Stir well to coat the paneer in the delicious curry!
Add the Final Touches
- First, sprinkle in some garam masala and crushed kasuri methi for that extra burst of flavor.
- Next, stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh cream if you prefer a creamier, richer sauce.
- Finally, let it cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes so all the flavors blend together perfectly.
Garnish
- Finally, finish it off by sprinkling fresh coriander leaves on top. This adds a burst of color and freshness! Now, dig in and enjoy your mouth-watering Matar Paneer!
Notes
Creative Twists and Variations
-
- Kashmiri Matar Paneer: To start, add saffron, dried ginger powder, and a touch of yogurt for a deliciously aromatic twist! This gives the dish a unique and rich flavor.
-
- Cashew Paste: If you’re craving a creamier curry, blend cashews into the gravy. This will make the texture smoother and richer!
-
- Spicy Matar Paneer: For spice lovers, you can easily increase the heat by adding extra chili powder, fresh green chilies, or even red chili paste!
-
- Add Bell Peppers or Potatoes: If you want more variety, try adding colorful bell peppers or soft boiled potatoes for extra heartiness and crunch.
-
- Vegan Matar Paneer: On the other hand, if you're vegan, simply swap paneer with tofu and use coconut cream or almond milk for a rich, dairy-free version!
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