Welcome to Your New Favorite Dinner!
Hello, food lovers! Are you looking for a meal that is super yummy, easy to make, and loved by everyone? You found it! Today, we are going to learn how to make a wonderful dish called Matar Paneer. It sounds fancy, but I promise it’s very simple. This dish is full of soft cheese cubes and sweet green peas, all swimming in a delicious, warm tomato sauce. It’s a famous food from India that is perfect for a family dinner or when you have friends over.
This matar paneer recipe is special because it’s made for beginners. You don’t need to be a great cook to make this. We will go through each step slowly, so you feel happy and confident in the kitchen. Get ready to make a meal that will make everyone say, “Wow!”
What is Matar Paneer, Anyway?
Let’s break down the name. In the Hindi language, “Matar” (pronounced muh-tur) means green peas. And “Paneer” (pronounced puh-neer) is a type of fresh, soft cheese that doesn’t melt. So, Matar Paneer is simply peas and cheese in a sauce! But it’s not just any sauce. It’s a creamy, spiced tomato sauce that is full of amazing flavors. It’s not too spicy, so kids can enjoy it too.
This dish is a star in Indian cooking. It’s a vegetarian meal, which means it has no meat. It’s healthy, full of protein from the paneer and vitamins from the peas. You can eat it with soft bread like naan or with fluffy white rice. It’s a full meal that will leave you feeling happy and full.
Ingredients for Our Easy Matar Paneer Recipe
Before we start cooking, let’s get all our things ready. Having everything in one place makes cooking so much easier and more fun. Here is a list of what you will need. Don’t worry if you don’t have one or two things; I will share some easy swaps later!
| Ingredient | Amount | Simple Note |
|---|---|---|
| Paneer (Indian cheese) | 200 grams (about 7 ounces) | Cut into small cubes. |
| Green Peas (Matar) | 1 cup | You can use fresh or frozen peas. |
| Onions | 2 medium | Chopped into very small pieces. |
| Tomatoes | 3 large | You can chop them or make a smooth paste. |
| Ginger-Garlic Paste | 1 tablespoon | You can buy this in a jar or make it fresh. |
| Cooking Oil | 2 tablespoons | Any vegetable oil is fine. |
| Cumin Seeds | 1 teaspoon | These add a warm, earthy flavor. |
| Turmeric Powder | 1/2 teaspoon | This gives the dish a beautiful yellow color. |
| Red Chili Powder | 1/2 teaspoon | Add more or less depending on how spicy you like it. |
| Coriander Powder | 1 teaspoon | This adds a mild, sweet flavor. |
| Garam Masala | 1/2 teaspoon | A special mix of spices. Add this at the end. |
| Water | 1 cup | For the sauce. |
| Salt | To your taste | Start with a little and add more if needed. |
| Fresh Cilantro (Coriander leaves) | A small handful | For decoration at the end. |
Step-by-Step Guide to the Best Matar Paneer
Now for the fun part! Let’s start cooking. Follow these simple steps to make the most delicious matar paneer recipe ever. We will do this in three main parts.
Part 1: Making the Tasty Tomato Sauce
The sauce, or gravy, is the heart of this dish. Let’s make it perfect.
- Get a pan and put it on the stove over medium heat. Add the oil and let it get warm.
- Add the cumin seeds. Wait for them to sizzle and pop. This takes just a few seconds!
- Now, add the chopped onions. Cook them until they become soft and light brown. This might take about 5-7 minutes. Stir them so they don’t stick.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste. Cook for one more minute. It will smell so good!
- Time for the tomatoes! Add the chopped tomatoes or tomato paste. Mix everything together.
- Add the spice powders: turmeric, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Also, add the salt. Give it a good stir.
- Cover the pan and let the sauce cook for about 8-10 minutes. You will see the oil start to separate from the tomato mixture. This means your sauce base is ready!
Part 2: Getting the Paneer and Peas Ready
While the sauce is cooking, we can prepare our main stars: the paneer and peas.
- If you want extra soft paneer, here’s a trick. Put the paneer cubes in a bowl of warm water for 10 minutes. Then, drain the water. This makes the paneer super soft and spongy.
- If you are using frozen peas, you can put them in warm water for a few minutes to thaw them. If you are using fresh peas, just wash them.
Part 3: Putting It All Together for a Yummy Matar Paneer
Your sauce base is ready, and so are your paneer and peas. Let’s mix them all together!
- Pour 1 cup of water into the pan with the tomato sauce. Stir it well and let the water come to a boil.
- Once it’s boiling, gently add the green peas. Let them cook in the sauce for about 5 minutes.
- Now, add the soft paneer cubes. Stir very gently so the paneer cubes don’t break.
- Cover the pan and let everything cook together on low heat for 5-7 minutes. This helps the paneer soak up all the yummy flavors of the sauce.
- Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the garam masala and the fresh cilantro on top. Give it one last gentle stir.
- Your amazing homemade matar paneer is ready to be served!
Helpful Tips for the Perfect Matar Paneer
Here are a few extra secrets to make your dish even better.
- Creamy Sauce: For a richer, creamier sauce, you can add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or cashew paste at the end.
- Sweeter Taste: If your tomatoes are too sour, you can add a small pinch of sugar to the sauce. It will balance the flavors.
- Frying the Paneer: Some people like to lightly fry the paneer cubes in a little oil until they are golden brown before adding them to the sauce. This gives them a slightly chewy texture.
- Make it Your Own: This matar paneer recipe is a great starting point. You can change it to match what you like.
| Spice Level | How to Get It |
|---|---|
| Very Mild | Use no red chili powder. You can use paprika for color instead. |
| A Little Spicy | Follow the recipe with 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder. |
| Nice and Hot! | Add 1 teaspoon of red chili powder or add a chopped green chili with the onions. |
Common Questions About This Matar Paneer Recipe
Here are answers to some questions you might have.
Can I use tofu instead of paneer?
Yes, you can! Tofu is a great option if you cannot find paneer or if you are vegan. Use firm or extra-firm tofu. Press the water out of the tofu first, cut it into cubes, and then follow the recipe.
My sauce is too watery. What should I do?
No problem! Just let the sauce cook for a few more minutes without the lid. Some of the water will evaporate, and the sauce will get thicker. Be sure to stir it so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
How long can I store leftover Matar Paneer?
You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often taste even better the next day! Just warm it up on the stove or in the microwave before eating.
Enjoy Your Homemade Meal!
Cooking should be fun, and this easy matar paneer recipe is all about enjoying the process. Making a delicious meal from scratch is a wonderful feeling. You’ve learned how to make one of the most loved dishes in Indian cooking, and you did it all by yourself.
Serve your matar paneer hot with some fresh naan bread, roti, or a bowl of steamy basmati rice. Watch your family’s happy faces as they enjoy the amazing dinner you made for them. We hope you love this recipe as much as we do. Happy cooking!
