Matar Paneer

Hi Guys!! In addition to our North Indian Cuisine, I am going to talk about a most popular dish of Punjab called, “Matar Paneer” (Green Pees with Indian Cottage Cheese Curry). This is one of my favorite too. Whenever I go to a restaurant and feel like eating some vegetarian food, I always opt for “Matar Paneer”. Its taste is so unique that it became the favorites among Vegetarians. Before we talk about recipe, let me brief some nutritional facts of “Matar Paneer”. Matars (Pees) are good sources of protein, vitamins, iron, manganese, Potassium, Fiber, etc., and a regular consumption of Green Pees can keep you healthy. On the other hand Paneer is an excellent source of calcium and makes your bones stronger & helps to prevent and reduce the back and joint problems. Considering all these nutritional benefits, “Matar Paneer” is a very healthy and delicious dish. Here is the recipe in case you would like to try…

Ingredients:

 

·         Green Peas – 1 Cup

·         Paneer (Cubes) – 1Cup

·         Cumin seeds – 1 tsp

·         Onion –1(Large)

·         Red Chili Powder – 1 tsp

·         Cumin Powder- ½ tsp

·         Coriander Powder – 1 tsp

·         Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp

·         Ginger Paste – ½ tsp  

·         Garlic Paste – 1 tsp  

·         Tomato Puree – 2(Medium)

·         Garam Masala  – 1 tsp

·         Salt – As per Taste

·         Oil – 6 tbsp

·         Coriander leaves - for Garnishing.

·         Water – 1 Cup

Preparation Method:

Ø  Make a fine paste of Onion.

Ø  Heat Oil in a Pan; fry Paneer cubes till it turns light brown and keep aside.

Ø  Add cumin seeds in the same Oil, when it crackles add Onion pastes and sauté for 2 mins.

Ø  Add Ginger & Garlic paste and sauté till its raw smell goes off.

Ø  Add Tomato puree and cook till the mixture separates from Oil.

Ø Then add Red Chili Powder; Turmeric Powder; Cumin Powder; Coriander Powder; Garam Masala and fry for 2 mins.

Ø  Now add Matar and cook for 5 mins with cover.

Ø  When the Matar is half cooked, add the fried Paneer, Salt and sauté for 5 mins.

Ø  Add Water in the mixture and cook till the gravy gets thicker.

Ø  Now the “Matar Paneer” is ready.

“Matar Paneer” is well served with Rice, Naan, Paratha, Roti and even goes well with  Jeera Rice.