Delicious North Indian Paneer Matar Masala recipe in English

 

Recipe of Delicious North Indian Paneer Matar Masala 

Paneer Matar Recipe

Paneer matar, a delicious North Indian dish, combines the rich, creamy texture of paneer (cottage cheese) and the sweet aroma of green peas. This vegetarian favourite is not only delicious, but also easy to make, making it perfect for family meals or special occasions. Below is a detailed recipe to guide you through the process.

Ingredients

For the gravy: -

200 grams paneer (cottage cheese), cut into cubes

- 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 2 medium tomatoes, pureed

- 1-2 green chilies, slit (adjust to taste)

- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)

- 1 teaspoon garam masala

- Salt to taste

- 2 tablespoons cooking oil or ghee

-Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Preparation

1. Start by preparing your ingredients. Cut the paneer into cubes and keep aside. If you are using fresh peas, make sure they are peeled and washed. Puree the tomatoes using a blender for a smooth texture.

2. Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. When it is hot, add cumin seeds. Let it sizzle for about 30 seconds to release its fragrance.

3. Add finely chopped onions to the pan. Sauté it until it turns golden brown, which will take about 8-10 minutes. This step is important as it forms the base of the gravy and enhances the flavour of the dish.

4. Once the onions turn golden, add the ginger-garlic paste. Stir it and cook for another minute until the raw smell disappears. This adds a rich, flavorful depth to the dish.

5. Add the pureed tomatoes and cook the mixture over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. When the oil starts separating from the gravy, you will know it is ready. This shows that the tomatoes are cooked well and have combined with the spices.

6. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt to the tomato mixture. Stir well, let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. The spices will mix well with the tomatoes.

7. Add green peas to the pan. Mix them well with the gravy and let them cook for about 5 minutes, especially if they are fresh. For frozen peas, just a few minutes will be enough, as they are already cooked.

8. Add paneer pieces gently to the pan. Stir carefully to mix, making sure the cubes don’t break. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to let the paneer absorb the flavor of the gravy.

9. Sprinkle garam masala over the dish. This final spice mix enhances the overall aroma and flavor. If the gravy is too thick for your liking, add some water to get your desired consistency.

10. Take the pan off the heat and garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves. Serve paneer matar hot with roti, naan, or steamed rice.

Conclusion

Paneer matar is a versatile dish that is perfect for any meal. It not only satisfies hunger but also brings a plethora of flavours and colours to your dinner table. Enjoy this easy-to-make yet unique dish that wins the hearts of Indian cuisine!