For: Nitra Green Peas
Matar Paneer
- Vegetarian
- Indian
- ⏱ 30 min
- Serves 4
A comforting, everyday curry pairing sweet green peas with soft paneer cubes in a warmly spiced tomato gravy.
Method
- 1
Lightly pan-fry the paneer
Heat a teaspoon of the oil in a pan and lightly fry the paneer cubes until golden on the edges. Set aside — this keeps them from breaking apart in the gravy.
- 2
Build the masala
Heat the remaining oil and fry the onion over medium heat for 6–7 minutes until golden. Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook a minute.
- 3
Add spices and tomato
Stir in the garam masala and chilli powder, then add the pureed tomato. Cook 8 minutes until it thickens and the oil separates at the edges.
- 4
Add peas
Tip in the green peas and a splash of water, and simmer 6–8 minutes until the peas are tender.
- 5
Add paneer back
Gently fold in the fried paneer cubes and simmer 3 minutes to warm through without breaking them.
- 6
Finish
Season with salt, garnish with coriander, and serve hot with roti or rice.
Frying the paneer briefly before adding it to the gravy keeps the cubes intact and gives them a slightly firmer bite.