Master the Art of Cooking Matar Paneer

A Step-by-Step Guide


Introduction:

Matar Paneer is a popular North Indian dish that combines the goodness of green peas (matar) with soft paneer (Indian cottage cheese). With its rich and creamy gravy, it's a delightful vegetarian option that can be enjoyed by both novices and seasoned food enthusiasts. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of cooking matar paneer, ensuring you achieve a delicious and authentic taste every time. Let's get started!




Section 1: Gathering the Ingredients

To cook a perfect matar paneer, it is crucial to gather the right ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

Green peas (matar): 1 cup

Paneer (cottage cheese): 250 grams

Onions: 2 medium-sized, finely chopped

Tomatoes: 3 medium-sized, pureed

Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tablespoon

Green chili: 1, finely chopped (optional)

Cashew nuts: 10-12, soaked in water

Garam masala: 1 teaspoon

Turmeric powder: 1/2 teaspoon

Red chili powder: 1/2 teaspoon

Cumin powder: 1/2 teaspoon

Coriander powder: 1/2 teaspoon

Fresh cream: 2 tablespoons

Cooking oil or ghee: 2 tablespoons

Salt to taste

Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing

Section 2: Preparing the Paneer

To make matar paneer, the paneer needs to be prepared properly. Follow these steps:Cut the paneer into small cubes or rectangles.
Heat a pan with 1 tablespoon of oil or ghee.
Lightly fry the paneer cubes until they turn golden brown on all sides.
Remove the paneer from the pan and keep it aside in a bowl of warm water. This will keep the paneer soft and prevent it from becoming rubbery.

Section 3: Cooking the Matar Paneer

Now let's move on to the cooking process:Heat 1 tablespoon of oil or ghee in a deep pan or kadhai.

Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chili (if desired) to the pan. Sauté for another minute.

Add the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil separates from the mixture.

Meanwhile, drain the soaked cashew nuts and grind them to a smooth paste using a blender.

Add the cashew paste to the pan and mix well.

Now, add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir the 
mixture for a minute.

Add the green peas (matar) to the pan and mix everything together.

Cover the pan and let the peas cook on medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become tender.

Once the peas are cooked, add the fried paneer cubes to the pan.

Sprinkle garam masala over the mixture and gently stir everything together.

Finally, add fresh cream to the pan and give it a good stir. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.

Your delicious matar paneer is now ready!

Section 4: Serving and Garnishing

To serve the matar paneer:Transfer the prepared matar paneer to a serving dish.
Garnish it with fresh coriander leaves.
Serve it hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.

Conclusion:

Congratulations! You have successfully mastered the art of cooking matar paneer. This delectable dish is perfect for a hearty meal with family and friends, and it never fails to impress. With the help of this step-by-step guide, you can create a flavorful and creamy matar paneer that will leave everyone wanting more. Enjoy the journey of exploring the rich flavors of North Indian cuisine and have a delightful culinary experience!