Matar Paneer

Matar Paneer is a very popular North Indian dish made with green peas, paneer (cottage cheese) and spices. It is a delicious curry often server as a side dish with roti, naan or pulao.

Ingredients

• Paneer – 400 gms, cubed
• Green Peas – 200 gms, boiled
• Onion – 2, finely chopped
• Tomatoes – 8, chopped
• Ginger Garlic Paste – 1/8 cup or 2 Tblsp
• Turmeric Powder – 2 tsp
• Red Chilli Powder – 1/2 tsp
• Coriander Powder – 2 tsp
• Cumin Powder – 1 tsp
• Black Pepper Powder – 1/2 tsp
• Garam Masala Powder – 1 tsp
• Kasoori Methi – 1 tblsp
• Fresh Cream – 1/3 cup (5 to 6 tblsp)
• Water – 200 ml
• Salt as per taste
• Coriander Leaves – handful, to garnish
• Oil – 4 tblsp
• Cashew Nuts – 10 to 15, soaked in water (optional)

Method:

1. Grind the cashew nuts to a fine paste.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium flame.
3. Add the onions and saute until lightly browned.
4. Add the ginger garlic paste and stir well.
5. Simmer for 2 minutes.
6. Add the turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, black pepper power, kasoori methi and garam masala powder.
7. Keep stirring for a minute or two.
8. Add the chopped tomatoes.
9. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes.
10. Now add the cream and water.
11. Mix well and cook for 15 minutes on low-medium flame.
12. Add the cashew nut paste and stir from time to time.
13. Add the paneer cubes and green peas.
14. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes.
15. Switch off the flame.
16. Garnish with coriander leaves.
17. Serve hot with pulao, roti or naans.