Punjabi-style Matar Paneer is a flavorful dish made with green peas and paneer in a rich tomato-based gravy. To prepare, sauté onions and spices, then add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates. Incorporate green peas and paneer, simmering until heated through. Finish with garam masala and optional cream for added richness. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving. Enjoy it hot with naan, roti, or rice for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
For the Gravy:
- 2 cups paneer, cut into cubes
- 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 3 large tomatoes, pureed
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, slit
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
- Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
- 1/2 cup cream (optional, for richness)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Gravy
- Heat Oil/Ghee: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
- Sauté Onions: Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden brown. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Ginger-Garlic Paste: Mix in 2-3 teaspoons of ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Spice It Up: Add the slit green chilies, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir and cook for a couple of minutes until the spices are well combined.
- Add Tomato Puree: Pour in the tomato puree and cook the mixture on medium heat until the oil separates from the gravy. This can take about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
- Add Green Peas: Once the oil separates, add the green peas to the gravy. Mix well and cook for about 5 minutes. If using frozen peas, ensure they are heated through.
- Add Paneer: Gently add the paneer cubes to the pan. If you want softer paneer, you can soak them in warm water for a few minutes before adding them.
- Simmer: Pour in 1/2 cup of water (adjust according to desired gravy consistency) and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
Step 3: Final Touches
- Add Garam Masala: Stir in the garam masala and mix well. If you prefer a richer dish, add 1/2 cup of cream and mix until well combined.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve: Serve hot with naan, roti, or rice. Enjoy your delicious Punjabi-style Matar Paneer!
Tips
- You can add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- For a spicier version, increase the number of green chilies or add red chili flakes.
- You can substitute cream with yogurt for a lighter version.
- Enjoy your homemade Matar Paneer.
