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Matar Paneer Recipe

Matar Paneer is a popular North Indian dish featuring green peas and paneer in a spiced tomato-based gravy. Enhanced with spices like cumin and garam masala, it’s typically served with naan, roti, or rice, making it a delicious and hearty vegetarian option.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course paneer
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4
Calories 320 kcal

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! 

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! 

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Matar Paneer Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
320
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
22
g
34
%
Saturated Fat
 
11
g
69
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
7
g
Cholesterol
 
40
mg
13
%
Sodium
 
300
mg
13
%
Potassium
 
650
mg
19
%
Carbohydrates
 
20
g
7
%
Fiber
 
5
g
21
%
Sugar
 
6
g
7
%
Protein
 
17
g
34
%
Vitamin A
 
900
IU
18
%
Vitamin B1
 
0.1
mg
7
%
Vitamin B2
 
0.3
mg
18
%
Vitamin B3
 
2
mg
10
%
Vitamin B5
 
0.5
mg
5
%
Vitamin B6
 
0.4
mg
20
%
Vitamin C
 
30
mg
36
%
Vitamin E
 
1
mg
7
%
Vitamin K
 
10
µg
10
%
Calcium
 
330
mg
33
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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