Matar Paneer: Delicious Recipe Of Mutter Paneer Curry

Matar Paneer: Delicious Recipe Of Mutter Paneer Curry

If you’ve ever sat down to a comforting North Indian meal, chances are you’ve met the classic Matar Paneer — a vibrant, flavorful curry made with green peas (matar) and paneer (Indian cottage cheese).

This dish is more than just food — it’s a warm hug in a bowl. Its mildly spiced, tomato-based gravy, soft chunks of paneer, and sweet pops of peas make it a favorite across homes, dhabas, and high-end restaurants alike.

Whether paired with fluffy naan, soft chapati, or a plate of steaming jeera rice, Matar Paneer never fails to satisfy. In this blog post, we’ll explore its history, why it’s loved, a step-by-step recipe, tips for the perfect taste, and delicious variations you can try at home.

🥘 What is Matar Paneer?

• Matar = Green peas
• Paneer = Fresh Indian cottage cheese

Matar Paneer is a popular North Indian vegetarian curry where paneer and peas are cooked in a rich, spiced tomato-onion gravy. It’s part of Punjabi cuisine but loved across India and abroad.

The best part? It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and perfect for both everyday meals and festive occasions.

📜 A Little History of Matar Paneer

Paneer has been a staple in North Indian cuisine for centuries, believed to have Persian and Afghan influences before becoming fully Indianized. Matar Paneer as a combination likely evolved in Punjab, where dairy and seasonal vegetables were central to the diet.

Over time, it spread to restaurant menus worldwide, often becoming one of the go-to vegetarian choices for those exploring Indian food for the first time.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Balanced flavors – Sweetness from peas, creaminess from paneer, and tanginess from tomatoes.
• Quick to make – Ready in under 40 minutes.
• Perfect for all occasions – Works for daily meals and special feasts.
• Customizable – Can be made spicy, creamy, or light depending on preference.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Curry Base:

• 200g paneer, cubed
• 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 1 bay leaf
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 2 cloves
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1–2 green chilies (slit)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste

For Richness:

• 1/4 cup cream or 3 tablespoons cashew paste (optional)

Garnish:

• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped

🍳 Step-by-Step Matar Paneer Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Paneer

• If using store-bought paneer, soak cubes in warm water for 10 minutes to soften.
• If you prefer a slight golden crust, pan-fry the cubes lightly in oil.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat oil or ghee in a kadhai (wok) or pan.
2. Add bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, and cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
3. Add onions and sauté until golden brown.

Step 3: Add Tomato Base

1. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté for a minute.
2. Add pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil starts separating from the masala.

Step 4: Spice it Up

1. Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt.
2. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 5: Add Peas

1. Add green peas and about 1 cup of water.
2. Cover and cook until peas are tender (about 5–7 minutes for fresh peas, a bit longer for frozen).

Step 6: Add Paneer

1. Gently add paneer cubes to the curry.
2. Stir carefully so the paneer doesn’t break.
3. Add garam masala and cream or cashew paste if you like a richer curry.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle with fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with roti, naan, or rice.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Matar Paneer pairs beautifully with:

• Breads – Naan, tandoori roti, butter roti, or paratha.
• Rice – Steamed basmati rice, jeera rice, or pulao.
• Sides – A fresh salad or raita for balance.

🧑‍🍳 Pro Tips for Perfect Matar Paneer

1. Don’t overcook paneer – It can turn rubbery. Add it towards the end.
2. Use ripe tomatoes – They balance the flavors better.
3. Homemade paneer – Freshly made paneer is softer and tastier.
4. Adjust thickness – Add water for a thinner curry or simmer longer for a thicker one.

🌱 Variations You Can Try

• Dhaba Style Matar Paneer – Spicier, with more ghee and whole spices.
• Shahi Matar Paneer – Add saffron and more cream for a royal touch.
• Dry Matar Paneer – Reduce water for a semi-dry version perfect with bread.
• Vegan Matar Paneer – Use tofu instead of paneer and coconut cream instead of dairy cream.

🥦 Nutritional Benefits

• Paneer – High in protein and calcium.
• Peas – Good source of fiber, vitamins, and plant protein.
• Spices – Anti-inflammatory and digestion-friendly.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Fridge – Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
• Freezer – Can be frozen for up to 1 month. Add fresh paneer when reheating.
• Reheat – Warm gently on the stove, adding a little water to adjust consistency.

Matar Paneer: Delicious Recipe Of Mutter Paneer Curry

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