Classic and tasty recipe for Matar Paneer

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Certainly! Here’s a classic and tasty recipe for Matar Paneer, a popular North Indian dish made with green peas and paneer (Indian cottage cheese) in a flavorful tomato-based gravy:

Ingredients:

  • 200g paneer, cut into cubes
  • 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 large tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1/2 cup fresh cream (or substitute with cashew cream or yogurt for a lighter version)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder (or paprika for a milder version)
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Heat the oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and bay leaf. Let them splutter for a few seconds.
  2. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
  3. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chilies. Sauté for another minute or until the raw smell of garlic disappears.
  4. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
  5. Now, add the ground spices – turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, and ground cinnamon. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes until the oil starts to separate from the masala.
  6. Add the green peas to the masala and cook for a few minutes until they are partially cooked. If using frozen peas, you may not need to cook them for as long.
  7. Pour in the fresh cream (or cashew cream or yogurt) and mix well with the masala. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
  8. Add the paneer cubes to the gravy and gently stir to coat them with the masala. Cook for another 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If the gravy appears too thick, you can add some water to adjust the consistency.
  9. Season the Matar Paneer with salt and garam masala. Mix well and cook for an additional minute.
  10. Turn off the heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Your delicious Matar Paneer is now ready to be served! It pairs well with Indian bread like naan, roti, or even rice. Enjoy this flavorful vegetarian dish with your family and friends!

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