Transport your taste buds straight to the heart of India with this vibrant and comforting recipe for Mattar Paneer, a beloved vegetarian classic featuring tender green peas and soft, pan-seared paneer cheese immersed in a spiced tomato-onion gravy. Infused with the bold flavors of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, this dish achieves the perfect balance of warmth and complexity. Whether you're serving it with fluffy naan, flaky roti, or fragrant basmati rice, this 35-minute meal is both effortless and elegant, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or festive occasions. Delight in the option to finish with a swirl of heavy cream for extra indulgence, and let the fresh cilantro garnish bring a refreshing burst of herbaceousness. A true gem of Indian cuisine, this Mattar Paneer recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your collection.
Cut the paneer into small cubes and set aside.
Finely chop the onion, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and green chili.
Heat oil or ghee in a large pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and sauté until they begin to sizzle and release their aroma.
Add the chopped onions and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
Add garlic, ginger, and green chili. Sauté for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
Stir in the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and form a thick paste.
Add the green peas and 1 cup of water to the pan. Stir well, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the paneer cubes and garam masala. Stir gently to coat the paneer in the gravy.
Simmer the curry for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors.
If using heavy cream, stir it in at the end for a richer texture.
Season with salt to taste and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice.
Calories |
1430 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 102.6 g | 132% | |
| Saturated Fat | 43.7 g | 218% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 206 mg | 69% | |
| Sodium | 4304 mg | 187% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 73.3 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.0 g | 68% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.3 g | ||
| Protein | 61.8 g | 124% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 1661 mg | 128% | |
| Iron | 10.0 mg | 56% | |
| Potassium | 1995 mg | 42% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.