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Easy Matar Paneer with soft paneer cubes and green peas in a flavorful Indian curry gravy

Matar Paneer

A comforting North Indian curry made with paneer and green peas in a spiced tomato-onion gravy.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Soaking Paneer 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian, North Indian

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 250 g paneer cut into cubes
  • 1 1/2 cups green peas fresh or thawed frozen
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil divided
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds whole
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
  • 2 medium tomatoes pureed or finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 cup water adjust for desired gravy consistency
  • to taste salt

Equipment

  • 1 Skillet or kadai A deep pan for cooking the curry.

Method
 

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the paneer cubes and fry until light golden at the edges. Transfer the paneer to a bowl of warm water and let soak for 10 minutes, then drain.
  2. In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and light golden.
  3. Stir in the ginger garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until the raw aroma fades. Add the turmeric, chili powder, and coriander powder, followed by the tomato puree. Cook until the tomatoes soften and oil begins to separate from the edges.
  4. Add the green peas and water to the pan. Bring to a gentle boil, then cover and simmer for 5 minutes until the peas are tender.
  5. Stir in the drained paneer cubes and garam masala. Simmer uncovered for another 3 minutes so the paneer absorbs the flavors, then remove from heat and serve warm.

Notes

Soaking the fried paneer in warm water keeps the inside soft while the exterior absorbs the gravy.