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.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• 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.