How To Make Matar Paneer » Yummy Indian Recipes (2024)

How to make Matar paneer, this delicious Matar Paneer recipedrives you through the vivid flavors of Indian cooking. This traditional North Indian meal mixes the rich, creamy texture of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with the subtle sweetness of green peas, or matar, all cooked in a delicious sauce made with tomatoes. A popular dish that adds coziness and warmth to any dinner table, Matar Paneer is bursting with flavorful spices and nutritious ingredients. Join us as we reveal the techniques for making this delicious dish, which will entice your taste buds and leave you wanting more, regardless of your level of culinary experience.

Table of Contents

About Matar Paneer

Matar Paneer, is beloved North Indian vegetarian dish that combines two key ingredients Greenpeas (matar), Green peas add a vibrant color and a slightly sweet, earthy flavor to the dish. You can use either fresh or frozen peas, depending on availability and the other key ingredient is paneer (Indian cottage cheese), It’s a fresh cheese, made by curdling milk and then pressing the curds to form a solid block. Paneer is known for its mild, creamy flavor and its ability to absorb the flavors of the spices and sauces it’s cooked with.

The richness of paneer and the freshness of the green peas are highlighted in this dish’s delicious combination of tastes and textures, which is covered in a creamy tomato-based gravy. It is a staple in Indian cuisine and is frequently found on the menus of Indian restaurants all over the world.

Although the dish is now well-known throughout the nation, it is believed to have originated in the Punjab area of India. Rich and creamy in texture, matar paneer is renowned for its delicious spices.

How to make matar paneer the simple way, the main ingredients in matar paneer recipe are paneer, green peas, tomatoes, onions, and spices. Typically, onions and tomatoes are first pureed before the dish is prepared. Then spices added to puree and cooked for a while. Finally, green peas and paneer cubes are added and the dish is simmered for a few minutes.

That is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. It is also a great option for vegetarians and vegans.

Matar paneer is a delicious and nutritious dish, as it is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.

Matar paneer is frequently served hot with steamed rice or an Indian bread like naan or roti. Both vegetarians and non-vegetarians love it because of its thick, creamy texture and pleasantly spicy tomato-based gravy. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own as a main course or as a side dish in a larger Indian meal.

How To Make Matar Paneer (Stepwise Photos)

To Make Puree

1. Heat 2 tablespoon oil in a pan over medium heat.

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2. Add 2 medium size cubed onion, fry until they turn to golden brown.

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3. Add 5-6 cloves of garlic, 1 inch ginger and 1 chopped green chili.

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4. Add 4 medium size chopped tomatoes, add 1 teaspoon salt, saute for 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes become soft and mushy.

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5. Cool the mixture and transfer to mixer jar, grind to smooth paste without adding water.

To Make The Gravy

6. Heat 2 tablespoon ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat.

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7. Add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds and let them splutter.

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8. Add 1 teaspoon kashmiri red chili powder or you can add regular red chili powder.

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9. Pour the onion, tomato puree. Stir the mixture for a while.

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10. Add ½ teaspoon turmeric powder.

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11. Add 1 teaspoon coriander powder.

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12. Add 1 teaspoon garam masala and salt as per taste.

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13. Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes until oil separates from the mixture. Stirring frequently.

14. Add ¾ to ½ cup of hot water to adjust the consistency. Simmer for another 7-8 minutes.

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15. Add the paneer cubes.

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16. Add frozen or boiled matar (green peas) and gently stir to coat them with the gravy. Cook for 4-5 minutes.

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17. Add 1 tablespoon butter or you can add heavy cream, this is optional.

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18. Garnish with fresh 2 tablespoon chopped coriander or cilantro leaves.

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19. Enjoy your homemade matar paneer. Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.

How To Make Matar Paneer » Yummy Indian Recipes (19)

This is how to make matar paneer! If you have never tried matar paneer before, I highly recommend it! It is a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.

More Popular Paneer Recipes To Try!

Palak Paneer Recipe | Restaurant Style

Pro Tips

  • You can adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less red chili powder and green chilies.
  • If you prefer a smoother gravy, you can blend the onion-tomato mixture after it cools down and then continue with the recipe.
  • Fresh homemade paneer is preferred, but you can also use store-bought paneer.
  • If you are using frozen peas, you do not need to thaw them before adding them to the pan.
  • For a vegan version, replace paneer with tofu and use dairy-free cream or coconut milk.
  • You can also add a pinch of sugar to the gravy to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.

FAQ's

Can I use store-bought paneer or should I make it at home?

You can use either store-bought paneer or homemade paneer for Matar Paneer. Both options work well, but homemade paneer tends to be fresher and softer in texture.

How to make Matar Paneer without cream?

You can make Matar Paneer without cream by omitting it from the recipe or substituting it with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

What can I serve with Matar Paneer?

Matar Paneer goes nicely with steamed rice or pulao (flavored rice), as well as Indian breads like naan, roti, or paratha.

Can I freeze leftover Matar Paneer?

Yes, In an airtight container, leftover Matar Paneer can be frozen for up to a month. Before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave, let the food thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

How To Make Matar Paneer » Yummy Indian Recipes (20)

How To Make Matar Paneer

How To Make Matar Paneer » Yummy Indian Recipes (21)Swati

Matar Paneer is a classic North Indian dish that epitomizes the flavors and textures of Indian cuisine. Its combination of tender paneer and sweet green peas in a creamy, spiced tomato gravy.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4

Calories 370 kcal

Ingredients

To Make Puree

  • 2 tablespoon Oil
  • 2 Onion (Medium size) Cubed
  • 4 Tomatoes (Medium size) Chopped
  • 5-6 coves Garlic
  • 1 inch Ginger
  • 1 Green chili chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Salt

To Make Gravy

  • 2 tablespoon Ghee/Oil
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon Kashmiri/regular red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon Garam Masala
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2-3/4 Cup Hot water
  • 1 tablespoon Butter/heavy cream (optional)
  • 1 Cup Green Peas (Frozen/Boiled)
  • 200 Gms Paneer (Indian cottage cheese)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sugar (optional refer Notes)
  • 1 tablespoon Coriander/Cilantro Leaves

Instructions

To Make Puree

  • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.

  • Add cubed onion, fry until golden brown.

  • Add ginger, garlic, chopped tomatoes, green chili, salt. Saute the mixture until soft.

  • Cool the mixture completely.

  • Grind the all mixture in a mixture jar to smooth paste.

To Make Gray

  • Heat 2 tablespoon oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat.

  • Add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds and let them splutter.

  • Add 1 teaspoon red chili powder.

  • Pour the onion tomato puree, stir the mixture for a while.

  • Add 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, 1 teaspoon garam masala, salt as per taste.

  • cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes, or until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.

  • Add hot water to adjust the consistency. Simmer for 7-8 minutes.

  • Add the paneer cubes.

  • Add the green peas, cook for 4-5 minutes.

  • Add 1 tablespoon butter/cream.

  • Garnish with fresh chopped coriander/cilantro leaves.

  • Serve hot with naan, roti,or steamed rice.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of yogurt to the masala paste.
  • If you are using frozen peas, you do not need to thaw them before adding them to the pan.
  • You can adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less red chili powder and green chilies.
  • You can also add a pinch of sugar to the gravy to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
  • For a vegan version, replace paneer with tofu and use dairy-free cream or coconut milk.

Keyword how to make matar paneer, matar paneer, matar paneer banane ki vidhi, matar paneer kaise banaye, matar paneer recipe, paneer recipes

How To Make Matar Paneer » Yummy Indian Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How to thicken matar paneer gravy? ›

Cashews: Cashews act as a creamy thickener for the masala paste. However, if you do not have cashews on hand, you can substitute almonds.

What is the difference between butter paneer and matar paneer? ›

Matar Paneer vs Butter Paneer

Matar Paneer is onion-tomato masala based. Butter Paneer, or Paneer Butter Masala, uses the Makhni Sauce that restaurants use for Butter Chicken and the like.

Should you soak paneer before cooking? ›

You can also soak your fresh paneer if it's tough after soaking in warm water. It makes a big difference,” he says. You can make a variety of dishes from paneer like palak paneer, matar paneer, kadhai paneer, paneer tikka, and the chef's favorite palak chole paneer chawal.

Is matar paneer healthy? ›

Matar paneer is very healthy.it contains lot of protein and vitamins which make you stronger. It's best made at lunch and dinner. It's a must make receipe.

Do you fry paneer before adding to curry? ›

Paneer is already cooked.

So it's not essential that you cook it prior to adding to curry. Some people like a golden brown colour on the outside. If you like, you can shallow fry, deep fry, or grill paneer before adding it to a curry. This will create a golden crust on the outside.

What can we use instead of cream in paneer butter masala? ›

How to make healthy Paneer Makhani? Instead of using butter and cream in this dish, I simply soaked some cashews and blended them with onions, ginger, garlic, green chilies, and a few aromatic spices. Instead of cream, I used whole milk, but you can totally use 2% reduced-fat or even 1% low-fat milk.

What is the English name for Matar paneer? ›

Matar Paneer is a popular North Indian dish of Indian cottage cheese aka Paneer and peas cooked in a spicy and flavorsome curry. Matar Paneer translates to peas paneer where 'Matar' is the Hindi word for 'peas' and 'paneer' for “Indian cheese”.

How to make paneer soft? ›

Put Paneer In Warm Water

The water should be enough to completely cover all of the paneer cubes. If you soak the paneer in warm water for more than 5 minutes, it will soften more quickly. If you soak the paneer in warm water for too long, it will become too soft and will break when you use it in your recipe.

Which is more tasty paneer butter masala or kadai paneer? ›

Kadai paneer is spicier than the other two as there is the addition of freshly prepared kadai masala in it. Whereas shahi paneer and paneer butter masala are more rich and creamy and sweet in taste. Also, shahi paneer is prepared with dry fruits like cashew and almonds without having any tomatoes in it.

How to make paneer soft and not chewy? ›

Simple and easy hacks to soften up refrigerated paneer
  1. 01/6Bid good bye to rubbery paneer. Shop Similar Look. ...
  2. 02/6Bring it down to room temperature. Shop Similar Look. ...
  3. 03/6Cover it up. Shop Similar Look. ...
  4. 04/6Put it on steam. Shop Similar Look. ...
  5. 05/6Hot bath. Shop Similar Look. ...
  6. 06/6This is why the paneer turns rubbery.
Jul 28, 2022

Is it better to fry or boil paneer? ›

Do you have to fry the paneer? Absolutely not! The thing is, raw paneer has a tendency to fall apart when added to a sauce. By frying the cubed paneer, you create a crispy crust to the cheese which helps it retain its shape when cooked into a hot curry sauce.

Can diabetics eat matar paneer? ›

Mutter paneer, a popular vegetarian dish made with green peas and paneer cheese, is also beneficial for glucose metabolism due to its high protein and fibre content. These dishes in diet may help individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance, manage their blood sugar levels effectively.

Is it OK to eat paneer everyday? ›

I advise consuming approximately 100 grams of paneer (cottage cheese) daily. However, it is important to avoid excessive consumption as it may lead to abdominal issues. Paneer contains micronutrients that play major biological activities necessary for our healthy growth.

What is the difference between masala and matar paneer? ›

Paneer butter masala taste less sweet, little spicy and having a thick smooth gravy. It is light red in colour. And mutter paneer is a no sweet, spicy in taste dish,which is not thick smooth gravy in texture. It is light brown in colour.

What can I add to gravy to make it thicker? ›

If your gravy is on the skimpy side, you can thicken it quickly with flour or cornstarch. But don't add your thickener directly to the gravy, which will create lumps. Instead, try stirring in three or four tablespoons of flour or cornstarch into a small amount of cold water until you have a smooth paste.

How can I thicken my Indian gravies? ›

Create a slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water. Stir this mixture into the gravy and simmer until thickened. Arrowroot is a natural thickener that works well with acidic ingredients and doesn't impart a cloudiness to the gravy.

References

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