Mattar Paneer - Indian Peas with Paneer Cheese
I always like this as a side dish, although it can be served as a vegetarian main dish. I generally like to make several types of things when I cook Indian and I usually will cook this or palak paneer along with the others.
I always like this as a side dish, although it can be served as a vegetarian main dish. I generally like to make several types of things when I cook Indian and I usually will cook this or palak paneer along with the others.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cups paneer cheese cubes
- 5 tablespoons vegetable oil or 5 tablespoons ghee
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1 cup diced tomato with juice
- 1 1/2 cups frozen green peas thawed
- Carbohydrate 18.8337360479322 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.657644115693572 g
- Fiber 5.3394689955714 g
- Protein 5.65982710185883 g
- Saturated Fat 0.105744757597935 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -6 serving(s) (215g)
- Sodium 98.6584649342881 mg
- Sugar 13.4942670523608 g
- Trans Fat 0.1854906346021 g
- Calories 99 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat 1-2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet and saute the paneer in batches (add more oil if necessary), until lightly browned, and drain on paper toweling.
- In a large pan, heat the 3 tbsp oil or ghee and cook the onion, ginger and garlic until the onion is tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the coriander, cumin, salt, turmeric, and cayenne, and cook until the spices become fragrant, 1-2 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes and cook 2-3 minutes, stirring once or twice.
- Add the paneer, water, and peas and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until the sauce is thick and smooth.
- Garnish with cilantro before serving.
My Go-To Weeknight Vegetarian Meal: Mattar Paneer
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can be a real challenge. Weeknights often feel like a race against the clock, juggling work deadlines, homework help, and everything else that comes with family life. That’s why I rely heavily on recipes that are quick, easy, and satisfying. One of my absolute favorites is Mattar Paneer – a vibrant and flavorful Indian dish featuring creamy paneer cheese and tender green peas in a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s a vegetarian delight that's surprisingly simple to make, even on the busiest of days.
What I love most about Mattar Paneer is its versatility. It’s fantastic served as a main course with fluffy basmati rice or naan bread, but it also makes a delicious side dish alongside other Indian specialties. I often make a larger batch and enjoy the leftovers for lunch throughout the week. The creamy texture of the paneer, combined with the sweetness of the peas and the aromatic spices, creates a symphony of flavors that always leave me feeling satisfied and energized. It’s a dish that transports me, even if just for a few moments, to the bustling spice markets of India, reminding me of the warm and welcoming culture I experienced on a recent trip. The vibrant colors and the incredible aroma that fills my kitchen while cooking are enough to lift my mood on even the most stressful of days.
Beyond the Recipe: A Taste of India in My Kitchen
My love for Indian cooking started on a trip to India a few years ago. The sheer variety of flavors and textures was truly overwhelming. Every street corner, every market stall, offered a new culinary adventure. I remember being captivated by the vibrant colors of the spices, the aroma of freshly baked naan, and the warm hospitality of the people I met along the way. Learning to cook Indian food has become a way for me to reconnect with that incredible experience. Each dish I make brings back memories of bustling markets, fragrant spice stalls, and the joy of sharing a meal with newfound friends. It's more than just cooking; it's a cultural immersion, a mindful escape, and a delicious reward for the efforts of a busy day.
More Than Just a Meal: A Journey of Discovery
Cooking Mattar Paneer isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s about embracing the process, experimenting with spices, and finding my own unique twist on a classic dish. Sometimes, I add a pinch of extra chili for a little kick, or I experiment with different types of tomatoes to achieve a richer, deeper flavor. The beauty of cooking is in its flexibility, and I encourage everyone to try their hand at this versatile recipe and discover their own personal preferences. It’s a journey of culinary discovery, and the results are always rewarding. The process itself is therapeutic; the rhythmic chopping of vegetables, the careful blending of spices, the gentle simmering of the sauce – it's a meditative practice that helps me unwind and de-stress after a long day. And the best part is, the delicious aroma that fills the kitchen, promising a flavorful and fulfilling meal for my family and myself.
A Simple Recipe, a Rich Experience
Mattar Paneer is a testament to the fact that simple recipes can deliver profound satisfaction. It's not just about the end result; it's about the journey, the connections made, and the memories created along the way. So, try this recipe, embrace the process, and let the flavors of India transport you to a place of warmth, comfort, and deliciousness.
