Matar Paneer is a comforting North Indian curry combining soft paneer cubes with green peas in a lightly spiced tomato gravy. Simpler and quicker than richer paneer curries, it’s a reliable everyday vegetarian staple.
Matar Paneer at a Glance
| Cuisine | North Indian |
|---|---|
| Country | India |
| Meal | Dinner |
| Course | Main / Curry |
| Food Type | Vegetarian |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Preparation | 15 minutes |
| Cooking | 25 minutes |
| Total time | About 40 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Suggested serving | 1 cup |
Matar Paneer Ingredients
- 200g paneer, cubed; 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen); 1 onion, chopped; 2 tomatoes, pureed; 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste; 1/2 tsp red chilli powder; 1/4 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp coriander powder; 1/2 tsp garam masala; 1 tsp cumin seeds; salt to taste; 2 tbsp oil or ghee; coriander leaves to garnish; 2 tbsp cream (optional).
How to Make Matar Paneer
- Heat oil in a pan; add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
- Add onion and sauté until golden.
- Add ginger-garlic paste, cook briefly, then add tomato puree.
- Add turmeric, red chilli powder and coriander powder; cook until the oil separates.
- Add green peas and a little water; simmer for 5-7 minutes until the peas are tender.
- Add paneer cubes and garam masala; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in cream if using.
- Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with roti or rice.
Cooking Tips
Add paneer towards the end of cooking to keep it soft rather than rubbery. Simmer the peas until fully tender before adding paneer, since paneer needs less cooking time. Fresh peas give the best sweetness, though frozen peas work well year-round.
Variations
Add a splash of cream for a richer, restaurant-style version. Some households add a pinch of kasuri methi for extra aroma.
Substitutions
Tofu can replace paneer for a vegan version (skip cream or use a plant-based alternative).
What to Serve With Matar Paneer
Roti, naan, or steamed rice.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Keeps refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water, avoiding prolonged reheating which toughens the paneer.
Matar Paneer Nutrition Facts
Nutrition varies with exact ingredients, oil quantity and serving size. Approximate values per serving:
| Calories | 280 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 13 g |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
Values are estimates for planning purposes and should be treated as approximate.
Potential Nutritional Benefits
A protein- and fibre-rich curry combining paneer with vegetable-derived nutrients from peas, a reliable everyday vegetarian dish.
Age & Serving Guidance
Suitable for toddlers from around 10-12 months onward, mashed soft with mild spicing.
For young children, take particular care with hot food, spice level, piece size, known allergies and individual chewing/swallowing ability.
Allergens & Food Safety
Allergens: Contains dairy (paneer, and cream/ghee if used).
Use fresh paneer, particularly in warm climates.
Matar Paneer FAQs
Why is my paneer rubbery in this curry?
Overcooking is the usual cause; add paneer towards the end and simmer only briefly.
Can I use frozen peas?
Yes, frozen peas work well and save prep time; no need to thaw before adding.
Why is my gravy too thin?
Simmer a little longer to reduce and thicken it to your preferred consistency.
Can I make matar paneer without tomato?
A tomato base is central to this dish’s flavour and colour; it’s not typically made without it.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, substitute tofu for paneer and use oil instead of ghee, skipping or substituting the cream.
Can I make matar paneer ahead of time?
Yes, it keeps refrigerated for up to 3 days, though add fresh paneer if reheating extensively.
Is matar paneer spicy?
It’s typically mild to moderately spiced; adjust red chilli powder to taste.
What can I serve with matar paneer?
Roti, naan, or steamed rice are the classic pairings.
Helpful Resources
If you’re getting around Kuwait, check live routes, fares and timings on Kuwait Bus Route. And if you run a website or blog of your own, try these free SEO tools to check and improve it.
Dinner, Indian Dinner Recipes, North Indian Recipes, Vegetarian Recipes — #Dinner #IndianDinnerRecipes #NorthIndianRecipes #VegetarianRecipes