Matar Paneer Recipe

Matar paneer recipe (Mutter paneer masala recipe) – This is one of the popular paneer recipes from Punjab. Here paneer cubes and green peas are simmered in spicy onion-tomato gravy.

This matar paneer curry is very simple and easy to make.

Paneer and peas curry is popular North Indian recipe that you find in almost all restaurant menu. Many punjabi households make it at home on regular basis as well. Even though I am not punjabi, I do make it once a month because green peas in any form are hubby’s favorite.

This is one of the paneer curries that I prepare at home very often. Because this is HEALTHY and LIGHT recipe unlike other paneer curries e.g. paneer butter masala, shahi paneer, malai kofta. Meaning this is not restaurant style version but it is home-style recipe.

Few notes,

• I have made this matar paneer gravy without adding any creamy or heavy ingredients so it is very healthy and homey. To make restaurant style matar paneer add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream at the end. Alternately you can add cashew nut paste as well.
• If you are not calorie conscious then shallow fry or deep fry the paneer cubes. It adds more flavor to the dish.
• If you are vegan then use Tofu instead of paneer.

How to make matar paneer recipe (Step by Step Photos):

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1) Heat the 2 teaspoons of oil in a pan on medium heat. Once hot add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.

2) Saute ginger, garlic and green chili for a minute.

3) Add onion and sprinkle some salt.

4) Cook till they becomes soft and translucent.

5) Mix in tomatoes.

6) Cook till they becomes little soft. Let it cool a bit.

7) Meanwhile boil the green peas in microwave or pressure cooker. How I did: in microwave safe bowl, add peas, salt and 2 tablespoons of water. cover it and cook for 2-3 minutes or depends on your microwave. Here I have used frozen peas, so I microwaved it for few minutes. If you are using fresh peas then it takes little more time to cook.

8) Now onion-tomato is cooled. Grind into smooth puree.

9) Heat remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in the same pan. Once hot add prepared paste and saute.

10) Cook till all the moisture evaporates. If it is spluttering too much then partially cover the pan. Do stir in between. it starts to leave the sides of the pan and oil will ooze out.

11) Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder  and garam masala.

12) Mix well and saute for a minute.

13) Add a cup of water or more or less as per your liking gravy consistency.

14) Stir and let it come to a boil and simmer for 2-3 minutes.

15) Add boiled peas and cubed paneer.

16) Mix well and simmer for 3-4 minutes so peas and paneer absorbs the flavors.

17) Finally sprinkle chopped cilantro.

18) Stir gently and Serve.

If not serving right away then keep matar paneer covered till the time of serving.

Serving suggestion: Mutter paneer masala can be served with roti, paratha or naan. It can be served with plain rice as well. I make gravy little thinner if I plan to serve it with rice. Have some kachumber and salted lassi or masala chaas on side to make it a meal.

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5 from 15 votes

Matar Paneer Recipe (Easy, Healthy Punjabi Mutter Paneer Masala)

US measuring cups are used (1 cup = 240 ml)

Course Main Course

Cuisine North Indian, Punjabi

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Servings 3 Servings

Calories 208kcal

Author Kanan

Ingredients

For Paste:

• 2 teaspoons Oil
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 1 medium or 1 cup Onion roughly chopped
• ½ inch Ginger chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic chopped
• 2 small Green chilies chopped
• 2 small or 1 cup Tomato roughly chopped

Ingredients for Matar Paneer Masala Recipe:

• 7 oz or 200 grams Paneer cut into cubes
• 1 cup Green Peas boiled
• 1 tablespoon Oil
• ¼ teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
• ½ teaspoon Garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup Water
• 1 tablespoon Cilantro or coriander leaves chopped finely

Instructions

Making paste:

• Heat the 2 teaspoons of oil in a pan on medium heat and add cumin seeds.
• Once they sizzle, add ginger, garlic and green chili and saute for a minute.
• Then mix in onions and little salt, cook till they becomes soft and translucent.
• Now add tomatoes and cook till they becomes little soft.
• Once cooled grind into a fine paste.
• Meanwhile boil the green peas in microwave or pressure cooker and keep it aside.

Making Matar Paneer Recipe:

• Heat remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in the same pan and add prepared paste. Cook till all the moisture evaporates and becomes thick paste
• Now add turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder and garam masala, mix well and saute for a minute.
• Add water to make gravy consistency and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
• Now mix in boiled peas and paneer, let it simmer again for 3-4 minutes.
• Lastly add chopped cilantro and mix.
• Turn off the stove and it is ready to serve.

Notes

*Nutrition information is a rough estimate for 1 serving

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Matar Paneer Recipe (Easy, Healthy Punjabi Mutter Paneer Masala)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 208 Calories from Fat 88

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 9.8g 15%

Saturated Fat 1.5g 8%

Cholesterol 5mg 2%

Sodium 484mg 20%

Potassium 450mg 13%

Total Carbohydrates 18.1g 6%

Dietary Fiber 4.8g 19%

Sugars 6.5g

Protein 13.2g 26%

Vitamin A 27%

Vitamin C 53%

Calcium 9%

Iron 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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