MATAR PANEER (Pure Veg Recipe)

Matar paneer is one of India's most popular paneer dishes. In most Indian homes, it is made during the winter when fresh peas are in season. However it can also be made with frozen peas anytime around the year. This dish you will always see in the menu card specially in Northern Indian Restaurants. It's festive season and paneer is something that is quick to make and every one loves paneer, isn't it? So, lets make this easy and tasty recipe quickly. 

Ingredients: 

1. Paneer - 250 gram (If using store bought paneer, soak in warm water for 10 minutes before using)
2. Green peas - 1/2 cup (If using frozen, soak in warm water for 10 minutes before using)
3. Oil - 1 tsp
4. Cardamom - 2
5. Black pepper - 3-4
6. Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp
7. Ginger - 1 inch (chopped)
8. Green chillies - roughly chopped (as per your taste)
9. Tomatoes - 3 medium (roughly chopped)
10. Cashew - 10-12
11. Ghee - 1 tsp
12. Bay leaf - 1
13. Red Chilli powder - 1/2 tsp
14. Coriander powder - 1/2 tsp
15. Garam masala powder - 1/2 tsp
16. Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
17. Salt to taste
18. Sugar - 1/2 tsp (optional)
19. Plant yogurt / Or fresh cream - 1 tsp

Process:

1. Heat one tsp oil in a pan on medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 2 cardamoms, pepper, cumin seeds and saute until the spices are fragrant and the cumin seeds sizzle for few seconds.

2. Add cashew nuts, ginger and green chilli and cook for 3-4 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook for another 3 minutes by covering with a lid, until the tomatoes are really soft.

3. Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cook down a bit, once it has cooled down a little, grind to a smooth paste and set aside.

4. Heat a tsp of ghee on the same pan and add the bay leaf and then add red chilli powder, saute for few seconds until you see a nice bright red color. Then add the prepared tomato paste back to the pan and mix well. Add all the powder masala, salt and sugar, mix well and cook the spices for a minute.

5. Whisk in 1 tsp yogurt or fresh cream (whichever you are using) stirring continuously until it mixed well, and then add water to the pan and let it come to boil. Add paneer cubes and green peas. Stir and then cover the pan. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes on medium heat. Sprinkle some garam masala on top. Goes well with steamed rice, jeera rice or rotis.