🌿 Comfort in Every Bite: Matar Paneer

There’s something truly comforting about a dish that feels like home — and Matar Paneer embodies that sentiment.

This North Indian classic features tender cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and sweet green peas, simmered in a rich, spiced tomato-onion gravy. It is mildly creamy, gently spiced, and bursting with flavor in every bite.

At SpiceRoom, we prepare our Matar Paneer using traditional methods. It is slow-cooked with fragrant spices and fresh herbs, all infused with a generous amount of love. Served hot alongside fluffy naan or steamed basmati rice, this dish is sure to make you close your eyes and smile after the first bite.

🌿 

Spice Room Matar Paneer Recipe

🧺 

Ingredients

For the Curry Base:

• 2 tbsp oil or ghee
• 1 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 2 large tomatoes, pureed (or use canned crushed tomatoes)
• 10–12 cashews (soaked in warm water for 10 min)
• 2 green chilies (optional, adjust to taste)

Spices:

• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder (for color and mild heat)
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Main Ingredients:

• 200g–250g paneer, cubed (lightly fried or plain)
• 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
• 2 tbsp fresh cream (optional, for creaminess)
• Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)

🍳 

Instructions

1. Prep the Cashew-Tomato Base:
   • Blend soaked cashews and tomato puree together into a smooth paste. Set aside.
2. Make the Masala:
   • Heat oil/ghee + butter in a pan.
   • Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
   • Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
   • Add ginger and garlic; cook for 1–2 minutes until aromatic.
3. Add Spices and Tomato-Cashew Mixture:
   • Stir in turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, and salt.
   • Pour in the tomato-cashew puree. Cook on medium heat until oil starts to separate (8–10 minutes). Stir occasionally.
4. Add Peas and Water:
   • Add green peas and about 1/2 cup of water. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
5. Add Paneer & Finish:
   • Add paneer cubes and simmer gently for another 5 minutes.
   • Stir in cream (if using) and sprinkle garam masala.
   • Adjust salt and sugar to taste.
6. Garnish & Serve:
   • Top with fresh cilantro.
   • Serve hot with naan, roti, or basmati rice.

🔥 Pro Tips:

• Fry paneer lightly in a bit of ghee for a richer flavor, then soak in warm water to keep it soft.
• Use Kashmiri chili powder for a deep red color without too much heat.
• Want extra creamy curry? Add a splash of milk or coconut milk along with cream.

❤️ Perfect for:

• A cozy vegetarian dinner
• Pairing with garlic naan or jeera rice
• Anyone craving classic Indian comfort food

Come taste the timeless magic of Matar Paneer at Spice Room — where simplicity meets soul-satisfying flavor.