If you’re a fan of North Indian cuisine, you’ve likely tasted the mouthwatering flavors of Matar Paneer. This beloved dish combines the richness of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with the sweet, tender bite of green peas (matar), all enveloped in a smooth, flavorful tomato-onion gravy. Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or an experienced home chef, the Matar Paneer recipe is one you can easily recreate and customize to your liking.
In this article, we will walk you through the Matar Paneer curry recipe, tips for making it healthier, and provide additional variations to suit your preferences. From homemade Matar Paneer to Dhaba style Matar Paneer, we’ve got all the details you need to bring this flavorful curry to your kitchen.
What is Matar Paneer?
Matar Paneer (also known as Mutter Paneer in some regions) is a popular vegetarian curry from North India. The dish is typically made with paneer and peas, cooked in a tomato-onion gravy base. It is a versatile dish that pairs perfectly with naan, roti, poori, or any type of rice such as jeera rice, pulao, or fried rice.
The dish is known for its creamy texture, vibrant color, and balanced flavors. The creamy richness of the paneer complements the mild sweetness of the peas, creating a satisfying combination of flavors that is both comforting and flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a special meal for guests, Matar Paneer is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Matar Paneer Curry
To prepare a traditional Matar Paneer curry, you need some basic yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Gravy Base:
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2 onions, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2-inch piece of ginger
- 4 tomatoes, sliced
- 2 tbsp cashews
For the Curry:
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp ghee
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- ½ inch cinnamon stick
- 3 cardamom pods
- 2 green chilies, sliced
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp garam masala
- 3 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1½ cups peas (frozen or fresh)
- 200 grams paneer, cubed
- 2 tbsp cream (optional)
- 1 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), crushed
- 2 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped
How to Make Matar Paneer Curry: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Gravy Base
- Sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger in 2 tbsp oil until the onions turn golden brown.
- Add the tomatoes and cashews to the pan and sauté until the tomatoes soften and become mushy.
- Once done, let the mixture cool down and blend it into a smooth paste using a blender or food processor.
Step 2: Cooking the Curry
- Heat 2 tbsp oil and 1 tsp ghee in a large pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and green chilies. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add the following spices: turmeric powder, chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and garam masala. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to release their aroma.
- Pour in the prepared tomato-onion paste and cook the mixture until the oil separates from the gravy (this indicates it’s well-cooked).
- Add 3 cups of water and 1 tsp of salt. Stir to adjust the consistency of the gravy to your liking.
- Add peas and paneer cubes. Stir gently and cook covered for about 5 minutes or until the peas are cooked through and the paneer has absorbed the flavors.
Step 3: Final Touches
- Add cream for extra richness (optional) and stir in kasuri methi and fresh coriander leaves.
- Give the curry one final mix, taste for seasoning, and adjust if necessary.
Healthy Matar Paneer: Tips for a Lighter Version
While Matar Paneer is already a satisfying dish, you can make a few simple adjustments for a healthier version. Here’s how you can make Matar Paneer with less oil and cream:
- Use homemade paneer: Fresh, moist homemade paneer is a great option for better flavor and texture. It also allows you to control the fat content. If you’re pressed for time, go for soft, fresh store-bought paneer.
- Reduce the oil: Instead of using excess oil, cook the onions and tomatoes in a minimal amount of oil or ghee. You can also sauté the onions and tomatoes without oil by using water or broth to make it lighter.
- Skip the cream: You can skip the cream for a healthier option. For added creaminess, consider using low-fat yogurt instead. This will also give a slightly tangy twist to the curry.
- Use fresh peas: If available, fresh peas have a better flavor and are more nutritious than frozen ones.
Why Matar Paneer is So Popular
The combination of paneer and peas creates a balance of flavors that’s hard to beat. Matar Paneer is a versatile dish that’s not only delicious but also highly adaptable. Here are a few reasons why this recipe is a favorite:
- Perfectly balanced flavors: The sweetness of the peas pairs perfectly with the richness of the paneer, making it a comforting dish.
- Multipurpose dish: It can be served with various types of bread like naan, roti, or poori, or you can pair it with rice for a complete meal.
- Adaptability: You can experiment by adding extra vegetables such as carrots, capsicum, or mushrooms without overpowering the main ingredients (paneer and peas).
- Simplicity: Unlike other complex curries, the Matar Paneer recipe is relatively simple and easy to make. It requires basic ingredients and minimal preparation.
Variations of Matar Paneer
While the classic Matar Paneer is loved for its simplicity, there are several ways to customize the dish to suit your taste:
- Spicy Matar Paneer: If you prefer a spicier version, increase the amount of chili powder and garam masala.
- Matar Paneer with extra vegetables: Add a mix of carrots, mushrooms, or capsicum to make the dish more wholesome.
- Low-fat Matar Paneer: Use low-fat paneer and skip the cream for a lighter version of this curry.
The Matar Paneer recipe is a delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-make North Indian curry that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it with naan, roti, or rice, this dish will surely become a staple in your home. With the tips provided, you can easily customize the recipe to suit your dietary needs and preferences. So, try making this flavorful vegetarian Indian curry today, and share it with your friends and family!
FAQs About Matar Paneer
1. Can I make Matar Paneer without cream?
Yes! You can skip the cream and still enjoy a flavorful curry. Use yogurt for a tangy taste or reduce the oil for a lighter version.
2. Can I use frozen peas for Matar Paneer?
Yes, frozen peas work just fine. However, fresh peas give a better flavor and texture.
3. What other dishes pair well with Matar Paneer?
Matar Paneer pairs well with naan, roti, jeera rice, pulao, and fried rice.
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to comment, share with your friends, or subscribe for more delicious Indian curry recipes! Let us know how your Matar Paneer turned out!
