Main Course

Matar Paneer

Name: Matar Paneer
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: indian
Ingredients: 250 g paneer cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 pcs yellow onion finely chopped; 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste; 1 pcs green chili minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 0.5 tsp turmeric powder; 1 tsp garam masala; 400 g tomato puree; 1 cup water; 1 cup green pea fresh or frozen; 1 tsp salt or to taste; 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped (optional)

This classic North Indian dish features tender green peas and soft paneer cheese simmered in a rich, aromatic tomato-based gravy. It's a comforting and flavorful vegetarian main course that pairs wonderfully with rice or naan bread.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 55 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Medium
Per serving: 312 kcal

Allergen information: may contain milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Mise en place

Ingredients

250 gpaneer, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbspvegetable oil
1 pcsyellow onion, finely chopped
1 tbspginger-garlic paste
1 pcsgreen chili, minced
1 tspground cumin
1 tspground coriander
0.5 tspturmeric powder
1 tspgaram masala
400 gtomato puree
1 cupwater
1 cupgreen pea, fresh or frozen
1 tspsalt, or to taste

garnish

2 tbspfresh cilantro, chopped(optional)

Equipment

deep pan · large pot

The method

Step by step

1
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep pan over medium heat.
About 1 min
2
Add the paneer cubes and fry until lightly golden on all sides, about 3-5 minutes. Remove the paneer and set aside.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
3
In the same pot, add the chopped yellow onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
About 7 min
4
Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and minced green chili, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
About 1 min
5
Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, and garam masala. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the spices are aromatic.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Ensure the spices don't burn by keeping the heat moderate.
6
Pour in the tomato puree and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
About 15 min
Cook’s note: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7
Stir in the green peas and salt. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: If using frozen peas, there's no need to thaw them first.
8
Gently fold in the fried paneer cubes and cook for 2-3 minutes more, just until the paneer is heated through.
About 3 min
9
Garnish with fresh cilantro, if using, before serving.
About 1 min

Per serving

Nutrition

68%Score

Calories: 312.1kcal
Protein: 15.4g
Carbs: 16.6g
Fat: 21g
Fibre: 4.6g
Sugar: 7.8g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover Matar Paneer in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed, or in the microwave until heated through.