Matar Paneer Recipe
This Matar Paneer is a simple and flavorful Indian curry made with tender paneer, sweet green peas, and a rich onion and tomato gravy. My Preeti’s All-Purpose Indian Kitchen Masala makes it easy to create authentic Indian flavors without measuring multiple spices. The paneer stays soft, the peas add natural sweetness, and the aromatic masala brings everything together into a delicious meal. Serve this comforting Matar Paneer with warm naan, roti, or a bowl of steamed basmati rice for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
With Preeti’s All-Purpose Indian Kitchen Masala, there’s no need to pull out many different spice jars every time you cook. I’ve already blended 19 premium ingredients and spices into one convenient mix, so you can enjoy rich, homemade Indian flavor in just a few simple steps.
It’s an easy way to prepare delicious Indian meals, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook.
How I Cook My Matar Paneer
I start by heating oil in a pan and sautéing the chopped onions until they turn golden brown. This step creates a rich base and brings out the natural sweetness of the onions.
Next, I add the ginger-garlic paste and cook it for about a minute until the raw smell disappears. Then I add the chopped ripe tomatoes and cook until the tomatoes become soft and blend beautifully with the onions, creating a flavorful gravy.
Once the tomato-onion mixture is ready, I add the paneer cubes and green peas. I gently mix everything together so the paneer and peas are coated with the flavorful base.
Now I add Preeti’s All-Purpose Indian Kitchen Masala and mix well. This carefully blended masala adds layers of Indian flavors without needing to measure multiple spices.
I add water, bring the curry to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes. While cooking, I check occasionally and stir gently to make sure the curry does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
After simmering, I remove the lid and adjust the consistency. If you prefer a thinner curry, add a little more water. If you like a thicker gravy, cook uncovered for a few more minutes.
Finally, I garnish the Matar Paneer with fresh chopped coriander (cilantro) and serve hot with rice, roti, naan, or your favorite Indian bread.
Matar Paneer Recipe
Equipment
- Set of Measuring Spoons
- One Set of measuring cups
- Cutting Boards and Knives
- Wok or wide pan
Ingredients
- 8 oz paneer cut into small cubes
- 8 oz green peas fresh or frozen, defrosted
- 1 cup onion about 3–4 oz, finely chopped
- 1 cup ripe tomatoes about 5–6 oz, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 3 level tablespoons Preeti's All-Purpose Indian Kitchen Masala
- 4 tablespoons oil
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt or to taste
- 1 cup water more as needed
- Fresh coriander cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for about 1 minute, or until the raw smell disappears.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and blend well with the onions.
- Add the paneer cubes and green peas. Stir gently to coat them with the onion and tomato mixture.
- Add Preeti's All-Purpose Indian Kitchen Masala and mix well.
- Pour in a cup of water and stir until everything is well combined. Bring the curry to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the curry from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Remove the lid and check the consistency. If you prefer a thinner curry, add a little more water. For a thicker curry, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander (cilantro) and serve hot..
Video
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen peas for this recipe. If using frozen peas, it is a good idea to thaw them first.
- For a richer curry, lightly sauté the paneer cubes before adding them to the gravy.
- Adjust the amount of water depending on whether you prefer a thicker or thinner curry.
Tip For a deeper flavor, cook the onions until they are golden brown before adding the ginger-garlic paste. This step builds a rich base and gives the Matar Paneer its delicious restaurant-style taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Matar Paneer?
Matar Paneer is a popular Indian curry made with soft paneer cubes, green peas, and a flavorful onion-tomato gravy. It is enjoyed with rice, roti, naan, or other Indian breads.
2. Can I use frozen peas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen peas work very well. Add them directly to the curry without thawing, and they will cook perfectly while simmering.
3. How do I keep paneer soft?
Avoid overcooking paneer. Let it gently simmer in the gravy so it absorbs the flavors while staying soft and tender.
4. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can replace paneer with tofu and use a plant-based oil. The same flavorful spice blend works beautifully with tofu.
5. What makes this curry flavorful?
The combination of slow-cooked onions, ripe tomatoes, peas, paneer, and Preeti’s All-Purpose Indian Kitchen Masala creates a balanced blend of sweet, tangy, and aromatic flavors.
6. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this curry can be prepared ahead and reheated gently. The flavors often become even better as the spices blend together.
7. What can I serve with this dish?
Serve it with basmati rice, jeera rice, roti, naan, paratha, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
8. Can I make this recipe more spicy and hot?
I have added no chilli pepper. Adjust the amount of masala and chili according to your taste.
9. How long does Matar Paneer last in the refrigerator?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.
10. Can I freeze this curry?
Yes, you can freeze the gravy. For the best texture, add fresh paneer after reheating if possible.
11. Why use a ready-made Indian masala blend?
A balanced spice blend saves time and makes cooking easier by combining multiple spices into one convenient mix while creating authentic Indian flavors.
Try My Other Recipes With My Spice Blends:
Instant Pot Aloo Baigan with Preeti’s Indian Kitchen Masala
Punjabi Chole Recipe | Chana Masala with Preeti’s All Purpose Indian Kitchen Masala
Green Bean & Potato Curry | Easy Indian Recipe with Preeti’s All-Purpose Indian Kitchen Masala
