Matar Paneer Recipe
Recipe Summary
- This video demonstrates how to prepare a delicious Matar Paneer, a classic North Indian vegetarian dish. It involves lightly frying paneer, preparing a rich onion-tomato gravy with aromatic spices, and then combining it with green peas and paneer to simmer to perfection.
All Ingredients - For Frying Paneer
- Ghee or Oil 2 tbsp
- Green Chilies 2-3, chopped
- Paneer 250g, cubed
All Ingredients - For Gravy
- Oil 3 tbsp
- Onions 2 medium, sliced
- Ginger-Garlic Paste 1 tbsp
- Tomatoes 2 medium, chopped
- Fresh Coriander Leaves 1/4 cup, chopped
- Turmeric Powder 1/2 tsp
- Coriander Powder 1 tsp
- Cloves 2-3
- Cinnamon Stick 1 small
- Green Chilies 2-3, whole
- Green Peas 1 cup, boiled
- Water 1/2 cup, or as needed
- Red Chili Powder 1 tsp
- Garam Masala 1/2 tsp
- Salt 1 tsp, or to taste
- Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) 1 tbsp
- Fresh Coriander Leaves 1 tbsp, chopped for garnish
- Garam Masala Pinch, for garnish
- Ghee or Butter 1 tsp, for finishing
Tools You'll Need
- Pan
- Pot
- Blender
Don't have an ingredient? Try these swaps
No Ghee?
- Unsalted butter (1:1)
- Neutral oil (1:1, lacks the toasted note)
No Paneer?
- Extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed — Pan-fry first for closer texture.
- Halloumi — Saltier; reduce added salt.
No Onion?
- 1 tbsp onion powder (per medium onion)
- 3 tbsp dried minced onion
- Shallots or leeks (1:1)
No Garlic (fresh)?
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (per clove)
- 1/2 tsp garlic granules (per clove)
No Cilantro?
- Flat-leaf parsley (1:1, milder)
- Fresh mint (in chutneys, salads)
No Garam masala?
- 1 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1/4 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp cardamom
No Butter?
- 3/4 the amount of olive oil (for cooking, not baking)
- Equal parts ghee — Slightly nuttier flavor.
- Equal parts coconut oil (in baking)
⚠ Contains Allergens
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Paneer
Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat. Add 2-3 chopped green chilies and sauté for . Then, add the cubed paneer and lightly fry until slightly golden on all sides, about . Remove the paneer and set aside.
Step 2: Boil Green Peas
In a separate pot, boil 1 cup of green peas until tender, about . Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Aromatics
In another pan, heat 3 tablespoons of oil. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn translucent and lightly golden, about . Add 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste and cook for until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Spices
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they soften, about . Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh coriander leaves, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, and 1 teaspoon of coriander powder. Cook for until the raw smell of spices disappears and oil starts to separate.
Step 5: Blend the Gravy Base
Transfer the cooked onion-tomato mixture to a blender and blend into a smooth paste. Set aside.
Step 6: Prepare the Gravy
In the same pan, add the whole spices (2-3 cloves, 1 small cinnamon stick) and sauté for . Pour in the blended onion-tomato paste. Add 2-3 whole green chilies and 1 cup of boiled green peas. Mix well.
Step 7: Simmer the Gravy
Add 1/2 cup of water (or as needed for desired consistency) and bring the gravy to a simmer. Stir in 1 teaspoon of red chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala, and 1 teaspoon of salt (or to taste). Cook for , stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens and the oil separates.
Step 8: Combine with Paneer and Finish
Add the lightly fried paneer cubes to the simmering gravy and mix gently. Stir in 1 tablespoon of kasuri methi, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh coriander leaves, a pinch of garam masala, and 1 teaspoon of ghee or butter. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for to allow the flavors to meld.
Pro Tips
• Adjust spice levels according to your preference.
• For a richer gravy, you can add a tablespoon of fresh cream at the end.
• Ensure the paneer is lightly fried to maintain its softness.
Recipe Variations
• Add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors of the gravy.
• You can add a few cashew nuts to the onion-tomato paste before blending for a creamier texture.
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