5 Delicious Paneer Mutter Recipes You Must Try

Classic Paneer Mutter Masala

Our journey through the delightful world of paneer mutter recipes starts with the time-honored Classic Paneer Mutter Masala. This dish is a staple in Indian cuisine, known for its rich flavors and creamy texture. It’s a perfect blend of cottage cheese (paneer) and green peas, simmered in a flavorful gravy made from tomatoes, onions, and a special mix of spices.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 250 grams paneer, cubed
• 1 cup green peas (frozen or fresh)
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• ¹⁄₂ cup cashews, soaked
• ¹⁄₂ cup cream or milk
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Steps to Prepare:

1. Prepare the Base: Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, and let them crackle. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
2. Cook Ginger-Garlic Paste: Add the ginger-garlic paste, cook for another minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
3. Incorporate Tomatoes and Spices: Pour in the tomato puree, and add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Let it cook until the oil separates from the mixture.
4. Blend in Cashew Paste: Blend soaked cashews with some water into a smooth paste. Add this to the pan, mixing well.
5. Add Peas and Paneer: Stir in the green peas and cook for a few minutes. Then, gently add the paneer cubes.
6. Simmer and Finish: Reduce heat, add cream or milk, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Add garam masala and fresh coriander leaves before turning off the heat.

🍲 Note: For a vegan version, replace the paneer with tofu and use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of dairy cream.

Paneer Mutter Khichdi

If you’re looking for comfort food with a twist, Paneer Mutter Khichdi is the way to go. This hearty dish combines the simplicity of khichdi with the richness of paneer and peas, making it both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice
• ¹⁄₂ cup moong dal
• 1 cup green peas (frozen or fresh)
• 150 grams paneer, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tomato, diced
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
• 4 cups water
• Chopped coriander for garnish

Steps to Prepare:

1. Preparation: Wash rice and moong dal, and let them soak for about 30 minutes.
2. Heat Ghee: In a pressure cooker, heat ghee or oil. Add cumin seeds and asafoetida, letting them splutter.
3. Make Tadka: Add chopped onion, green chilies, and diced tomatoes. Sauté until onions turn translucent.
4. Add Spices: Incorporate turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
5. Cook Khichdi: Drain the soaked rice and dal, add to the cooker along with green peas and 4 cups of water. Close the lid and pressure cook for 3 whistles.
6. Include Paneer: Once pressure is released, open the cooker, gently mix in paneer pieces, and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
7. Finish and Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves, and serve hot.

🥄 Note: Add a dollop of ghee on top before serving for extra richness.

Spicy Paneer Mutter Gravy

This recipe brings the heat with a spicy twist to the traditional paneer mutter. It’s perfect for those who love a spicy kick alongside the creamy textures of paneer and peas.

Ingredients:

• 200 grams paneer, cubed
• 1 cup green peas (frozen or fresh)
• 3 medium onions, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 2 green chilies, slit
• ¹⁄₂ cup cream or coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon fennel seeds
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black peppercorns
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon asafoetida
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1-2 teaspoons red chili powder (adjust for spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Chopped coriander leaves for garnish

Steps to Prepare:

1. Prepare Spice Mix: In a dry pan, roast cumin, coriander, fennel seeds, and black peppercorns until fragrant. Grind them into a powder.
2. Heat Oil: Heat oil in a pan, add asafoetida, and then the ground spice mix.
3. Cook Aromatics: Add chopped onions, sauté until they turn golden. Incorporate ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute.
4. Add Tomatoes: Pour in the tomato puree, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the oil separates.
5. Incorporate Peas and Paneer: Add green peas, cook for a few minutes, then gently mix in paneer.
6. Simmer with Cream: Pour in cream or coconut milk, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to blend flavors.
7. Finish and Serve: Add garam masala, stir, garnish with coriander, and serve hot.

🍛 Note: Adjust the heat level with the amount of red chili powder or by adding more or less green chilies.

To wrap up our exploration of these delightful paneer mutter recipes, we’ve seen how versatile this ingredient combination can be. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic creamy curry, a comforting khichdi, or a spicy gravy, there’s a paneer mutter dish to suit every taste and occasion. Each recipe provides a unique way to experience the rich flavors of Indian cuisine while showcasing the delightful pairing of paneer and peas. Try these recipes at home, and let the aroma and flavors transport you to a culinary delight.

What can I use instead of paneer for these recipes?

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If you are looking for a vegetarian alternative to paneer, tofu is an excellent substitute. It has a similar texture when cooked and absorbs flavors well. For non-vegetarians, chicken or fish can be used, adjusting the cooking time accordingly to ensure thorough cooking.

Can I make these recipes vegan?

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Absolutely! Use tofu or paneer-like plant-based cheese in place of paneer, and swap dairy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. For the khichdi recipe, you can use plant-based butter or oil in place of ghee.

How do I store leftover paneer mutter dishes?

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Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors often intensify over time. When reheating, add a little water or cream to restore the dish’s consistency.