Today, I am thrilled to share with you an irresistible recipe that captures the essence of North Indian cuisine – Matar Paneer. This vegetarian delight combines the sweetness of green peas with the creaminess of paneer cheese, all enveloped in a luscious tomato-based gravy. Get ready to indulge your taste buds in this aromatic and flavorful experience!
Flavorful Delight – Matar Paneer Recipe:
Ingredients:
250g paneer (chopped)
200g frozen green peas (rinsed)
1 inch cinnamon
1 bay leaf
1 tsp fenugreek leaves
3-4 green chilis (sliced)
1/2 cup water (optional)
2 stalks of cilantro
Salt to taste
Gravy Ingredients:
2-3 cardamom pods
2-3 cloves
3 cloves of garlic (chopped)
1 inch ginger (chopped)
1 onion (sliced)
1 large tomato (chopped)
13-15 cashews
1/3 cup yogurt
1/4 tsp salt
Gravy Spice Ingredients:
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
1/4 tsp turmeric
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Gravy Base In a small pot over medium-low heat, add some oil and then toss in the cardamom pods and cloves. Allow them to fry for about a minute, releasing their aromatic flavors. Next, add the chopped garlic, ginger, and sliced onions to the pot. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes or until the onions turn translucent. Now, add the chopped tomatoes, cashews, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes are mushy and the cashews have softened. Once the gravy base cools down completely, transfer it to a blender. Add yogurt and blend until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Step 2: Enhance the Gravy with Spices Combine the garam masala, coriander powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, and turmeric in a bowl. Mix them well and then add the spice blend into the gravy base. Stir to ensure even distribution of the spices.
Step 3: Cook the Gravy and Add Green Peas In a new small pot, heat some oil over medium-low heat. Fry the cinnamon and bay leaf for about a minute to infuse their flavors into the oil. Carefully pour the prepared gravy into the pot and bring it to a simmer. Add the rinsed green peas to the pot and let them cook until tender and well-incorporated into the gravy.
Step 4: Introduce Paneer and Final Touches Now it’s time to add the star ingredient – the chopped paneer. Gently mix it into the gravy and allow it to cook for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the paneer soaks up the flavors. Add salt to taste, along with sliced green chilies and fenugreek leaves. Cook for an additional minute to blend the flavors.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Remove the pot from heat and transfer the aromatic Matar Paneer to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for an added burst of freshness. Serve this delectable dish with steamed rice, rotis, or naan bread. The creamy gravy and the combination of paneer and green peas will tantalize your taste buds with each bite.
This classic recipe showcases the rich flavors and vibrant colors that make North Indian cuisine so beloved worldwide. With its creamy tomato gravy and the combination of soft paneer and sweet green peas, Matar Paneer is sure to win the hearts of both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Prepare it for family dinners, special occasions, or simply when you crave a truly satisfying Indian meal. Embrace the magic of Indian cooking and let your taste buds revel in this authentic and delicious experience!
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