5 Steps to Make Perfect Matar Paneer at Home

There's something truly special about the flavors of Indian cuisine, and one of the dishes that epitomizes comfort and satisfaction is Matar Paneer. This dish, which combines tender pieces of paneer cheese with sweet peas in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, is a staple in many Indian households. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a culinary novice, making Matar Paneer at home can seem daunting. But fear not, as this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step to ensure you create the perfect batch of this beloved dish. Here's how you can master Matar Paneer in just 5 easy steps.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, assembling all your ingredients is crucial. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 250 grams of Paneer (cottage cheese), cut into cubes
• 1 cup of green peas (frozen or fresh)
• 3-4 medium-sized tomatoes, pureed or 1 cup of tomato puree
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (optional, adjust for heat)
• 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of garam masala
• 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of cumin powder
• ¹⁄₂ cup of heavy cream or malai
• 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Salt to taste

📝 Note: Ensure the paneer is fresh or frozen and thawed. Old or stale paneer can alter the taste of your dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Paneer

Start by gently frying the paneer cubes. This step helps retain their shape during cooking:

• Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan.
• Add the paneer cubes and lightly fry them until they get a light golden color.
• Remove from heat and place them in a bowl of warm water. This will keep the paneer soft and prevent it from becoming rubbery.

Step 3: Create the Masala Base

The depth of flavor in Matar Paneer comes from its masala base. Here’s how to make it:

• In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil or ghee.
• Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
• Follow with onions and sauté until translucent.
• Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, cook until the raw smell disappears.
• Add all the spice powders: turmeric, red chili, cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Stir well.
• Pour in the tomato puree, cook until the oil begins to separate from the mixture, which indicates that the masala is well-cooked.

Step 4: Cook the Matar and Paneer

Now, it’s time to bring all the ingredients together:

• Drain the paneer cubes from the water and add them to the masala along with the peas.
• Mix gently to ensure the paneer and peas are evenly coated with the masala.
• Pour in the heavy cream or malai for richness. If you prefer a lighter dish, you can substitute with milk, but it won’t yield the same creamy texture.
• Simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remember not to overcook as paneer can become hard.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

To give your Matar Paneer the final polish:

• Adjust the seasoning with salt as needed.
• If the gravy is too thick, add a little water or milk to reach your desired consistency.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Serve your homemade Matar Paneer hot with naan, paratha, or steamed rice, for an authentic Indian meal experience.

Creating the perfect Matar Paneer at home involves a blend of patience, love, and the right technique. Here are some key takeaways:

• Select Quality Ingredients: Fresh paneer, good quality spices, and ripe tomatoes will elevate the dish’s taste.
• Paneer Preparation: Frying paneer and soaking it in warm water prevents it from becoming rubbery.
• Cooking the Masala: The masala needs to be cooked thoroughly; this step is non-negotiable for a rich flavor profile.
• Simmering: A gentle simmer ensures that the flavors integrate well without overcooking the paneer.

Can I make Matar Paneer without paneer?

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Yes, you can replace paneer with tofu for a vegan version or use potatoes for a different texture but still enjoy the delicious gravy.

What can I do if my Matar Paneer is too spicy?

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If your dish is too spicy, add a little more cream or a splash of milk to mellow down the heat. You can also serve it with a dollop of yogurt.

Can I freeze Matar Paneer?

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Yes, you can freeze Matar Paneer. However, the texture of the paneer might change slightly upon reheating. It’s best to add the cream or milk after thawing for a fresh taste.

Related Terms:

• matar paneer recipe
• Mattar paneer
• Paneer
• Palak paneer
• Kadhai paneer
• shahi paneer