Mattar Paneer

Mattar Paneer is a classic North Indian curry made with soft paneer cubes and green peas simmered in a mildly spiced, flavorful gravy.

Ingredients

1. Green peas (shelled) 450 g
2. Paneer 250 g, cut into 1-inch cubes
3. Onions 2 medium, chopped
4. Garlic 6 cloves, crushed
5. Ginger 1 tbsp, grated
6. Green chillies 2, chopped
7. Tomatoes 250 g, peeled and sliced
8. Salt to taste
9. Curd/Yogurt 1 cup
10. Turmeric powder 1 tsp
11. Coriander seeds 1 tbsp
12. Bay leaves 4
13. Water 2 cups
14. Ghee/Vegetable oil ½ cup
15. Garam masala powder (for garnish)
16. Chopped coriander leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

1. **Preparing the Masala Base

   • Grind half the onions with garlic and coriander seeds to make a smooth paste.
   • Keep this paste aside for cooking.

2. **Frying the Paneer

   • Heat ghee/oil in a pan and add paneer cubes.
   • Fry until light brown and remove them onto a plate to drain.

3. **Cooking the Gravy

   • In the same ghee/oil, add remaining onions, ginger, and bay leaves.
   • Fry until onions turn golden brown.
   • Add turmeric powder and the prepared paste; fry until the ghee separates.
   • Add paneer, peas, yogurt, green chillies, tomatoes, and salt.
   • Stir on low heat for 5–6 minutes.
   • Pour in water and simmer gently for 20 minutes.
   • Garnish with garam masala and coriander leaves before serving.