Punjabi Matar Paneer Recipe
🧑🍳 Punjabi Matar Paneer Recipe: A Flavorful and Nutritious Curry
Matar Paneer, a classic from Punjabi cuisine, is a flavorful, hearty, and aromatic curry made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and matar (green peas). This delicious dish is known for its rich gravy, made from a combination of onions, tomatoes, and spices, creating a creamy and spicy base. It’s a staple in Indian homes and is often served with roti, naan, or rice. 🍛
In this blog, we will guide you through the authentic Punjabi Matar Paneer recipe, covering ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some tips to make this dish just like it’s made in Punjab! Let’s dive in and cook this tasty vegetarian curry! 😋
🍽️ What is Punjabi Matar Paneer?
Matar Paneer is a popular vegetarian curry made from paneer and green peas cooked in a spicy, tangy tomato-based gravy. The curry is typically flavored with garam masala, cumin, coriander, and other aromatic spices that make it both savory and satisfying. It’s a favorite in Punjabi households and is often served with flatbreads like naan, roti, or paratha, or even with jeera rice. 🌶️
The soft paneer cubes and tender green peas combine to create a creamy, rich dish with just the right amount of spice. It’s perfect for any meal, whether it’s a casual dinner or a special occasion. 🍽️
🍽️ Quick Facts About Punjabi Matar Paneer
| 🌿 Feature | 📋 Description |
|---|---|
| 🧀 Main Ingredient | Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and Green Peas (Matar) |
| 🌶️ Flavor Profile | Spicy, creamy, savory, and aromatic |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Method | Cooked in a tomato-based gravy with spices |
| 🍽️ Best Served With | Roti, naan, paratha, or rice |
| 🌍 Origin | Punjab, India |
| 🌿 Key Spices | Cumin, coriander, garam masala, chili powder |
| 🏡 Popular Occasion | Family dinners, special occasions, festivals |
🖤 Why is Punjabi Matar Paneer Special?
Here are some reasons why Punjabi Matar Paneer is loved by so many:
- 🧀 Creamy Paneer: The soft, tender paneer cubes soak up the flavors of the spicy gravy, making every bite delightful.
- 🌿 Nutritious and Hearty: The combination of paneer (rich in protein) and peas (rich in fiber and vitamins) makes this dish both filling and healthy.
- 🌶️ Bold and Flavorful Gravy: The spices and tomatoes used to make the gravy bring an explosion of flavors to your palate.
- 🍽️ Versatile: It pairs well with naan, roti, paratha, or even rice, making it a versatile dish that’s loved by everyone.
- 🧑🍳 Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this dish is perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
🍽️ Ingredients for Punjabi Matar Paneer
To make Punjabi Matar Paneer, you’ll need a few basic ingredients for the curry base and the vegetables. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
🧑🍳 Main Ingredients:
| 🍛 Ingredient | 📋 Description |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Cottage Cheese) | 200–250 grams (cut into cubes) |
| Green Peas (Matar) | 1.5 cups (frozen or fresh) |
| Onions | 1 large (finely chopped) |
| Tomatoes | 2 medium (pureed or finely chopped) |
| Garlic | 4–5 cloves (minced or paste) |
| Ginger | 1-inch piece (grated or minced) |
| Green Chilies | 1–2 (chopped, optional) |
| Fresh Cilantro | A handful (chopped, for garnish) |
🧑🍳 For the Spice Mix:
| 🍛 Ingredient | 📋 Description |
|---|---|
| Cumin Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Chili Powder | 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste) |
| Turmeric Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
🧑🍳 For Cooking:
| 🍛 Ingredient | 📋 Description |
|---|---|
| Oil or Ghee | 2 tablespoons |
| Water | As needed for consistency of the gravy |
🧑🍳 How to Make Punjabi Matar Paneer
Making Punjabi Matar Paneer involves preparing the spicy gravy and then adding the paneer cubes and green peas to create the perfect curry. Here’s how to make it:
✅ Step 1: Prepare the Gravy
- Heat Oil or Ghee: In a large pan or kadai, heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee over medium heat.
- Temper the Cumin Seeds: Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds to the hot oil and let them splutter for a few seconds. This enhances the flavor of the oil.
- Sauté Onions, Ginger, Garlic, and Chilies: Add 1 finely chopped onion, 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste, and 1–2 chopped green chilies (optional) to the pan. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes until the onions turn golden brown.
- Add Tomatoes and Cook: Add 2 finely chopped tomatoes or tomato puree and cook until the oil begins to separate from the masala, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add Ground Spices: Now, add the following spices:
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
Stir well and cook the mixture for 2–3 minutes to let the spices release their flavors.
✅ Step 2: Add Green Peas and Paneer
- Add Green Peas: Add the green peas (frozen or fresh) to the pan and stir to combine with the masala. If you’re using frozen peas, cook them for about 5 minutes until they soften.
- Add Water: Add 1 cup of water (or more depending on the consistency of the gravy) and bring the curry to a simmer. Let it cook for 5–7 minutes.
- Add Paneer: Add the paneer cubes to the curry and mix gently. If you like, you can shallow fry the paneer cubes separately for a richer taste, but adding fresh paneer works just as well.
- Simmer the Curry: Let the curry simmer on low heat for about 10–15 minutes so the flavors can meld together and the paneer absorbs the spices.
✅ Step 3: Final Touches
- Adjust Salt: Taste the curry and adjust salt and spices as needed.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a lemon wedge to add a burst of freshness to the dish.
✅ Step 4: Serve
Serve your Punjabi Matar Paneer hot with naan, roti, or jeera rice. Pair it with a side of yogurt raita or pickle for an extra zing! 🍽️
🌶️ Tips for Perfect Punjabi Matar Paneer
- Use Fresh Paneer: Fresh paneer makes the curry richer and creamier. If you can, make homemade paneer for the best results.
- Adjust Spice Levels: You can control the heat by adding more or less chili powder and green chilies. Start with a little and adjust according to your taste.
- Cook the Masala Well: Let the onion-tomato masala cook well until the oil starts separating from it. This ensures the curry is flavorful and not raw-tasting.
- Simmer the Curry: Simmering the curry for 10–15 minutes after adding the paneer allows the flavors to blend well.
- Shallow Fry the Paneer: If you prefer a richer taste, shallow fry the paneer cubes in a little oil or ghee before adding them to the curry.
🍽️ Serving Ideas for Punjabi Matar Paneer
Matar Paneer is a versatile dish that can be served with various sides. Here are some serving ideas:
| 🌍 Occasion | 🍽️ Serving Idea |
|---|---|
| 🍽️ Family Dinner | Serve with naan, roti, or jeera rice |
| 🎉 Special Occasions | Serve with makki di roti and pickle |
| 🧑🍳 Barbecues | Pair with paratha and yogurt raita |
| 🍛 Casual Meals | Serve with steamed rice or quinoa |
📸 Photography Ideas for Punjabi Matar Paneer
Want to capture the beauty of your Punjabi Matar Paneer? Here are some photography tips:
- 📷 Close-Up Shots: Focus on the creamy paneer and the vibrant green peas.
- 🌿 Garnishing: Add fresh cilantro and lemon wedges for extra color and freshness.
- 🌞 Lighting: Use natural light to enhance the colors and texture of the curry.
- 🍽️ Action Shots: Capture someone serving the Matar Paneer with roti or naan for an engaging photo.
🧑🍳 Final Thoughts
Punjabi Matar Paneer is a rich, flavorful, and hearty vegetarian curry that’s loved by everyone. With its combination of tender paneer, green peas, and spicy gravy, it’s a comforting dish perfect for any meal. 🌶️
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, festivals, or a casual meal, Matar Paneer is sure to satisfy your taste buds and bring warmth to your table. So, gather your ingredients and cook up a delicious pot of Punjabi Matar Paneer today! 🍛
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