Mattar Paneer - Indian Peas with Paneer Cheese

Submitted by PalatablePastime

"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."

 

• Ready In: 40mins
• Ingredients: 14
• Serves: 4-6

ingredients

• 2 cups paneer cheese, cubes
• 5 tablespoons vegetable oil or 5 tablespoons ghee
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1⁄4 - 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1 cup diced tomato, with juice
• 1⁄2 cup water
• 1 1⁄2 cups frozen green peas, thawed
• 1⁄2 cup chopped cilantro

directions

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Add the coriander, cumin, salt, turmeric, and cayenne, and cook until the spices become fragrant, 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the tomatoes and cook 2-3 minutes, stirring once or twice.
5. Add the paneer, water, and peas and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until the sauce is thick and smooth.
7. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

Reviews

[Izy Hossack]

What a lovely, quick way to prepare paneer! Was a snap to make and we had it for dinner with a chicken vindaloo. Loved the crispy edges of the cheese.

 

[Marijke R.]

Great recipe! I also added a little bit more of the spices. I wonder though why it says it serves 6, we finished it with 2? We are not big eaters.

 

[IH8Bacon]

This is delicious! I was a little worried at first because I thought it tasted rather bland, but I had made it in advance and when I heated it up for dinner the flavors were perfect!!

 

[rachelandcompany]

Easy and delicious%u2014my favorite combination! I love the mix of flavors from the spices, onion, garlic and ginger! Didn't change a thing and I thought it was perfect as is and bursting with flavor. All four of my kids, age 13 to 6 liked it as much as I did. We served it as a main dish with some cooked chickpeas thrown in with the peas and brown rice on the side.

 

[SuzTheQ]

Great recipe! Made as written, except for cutting back on the red pepper (personal taste). I used a bought paneer from the Indian grocery. Will definitely make again- thanks Sue!