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Matar Paneer: A Classic North Indian Curry

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Matar Paneer is a popular North Indian dish made with soft paneer cubes and green peas simmered in a mildly spiced tomato-onion gravy. It pairs perfectly with roti, naan, or rice, making it a wholesome everyday meal.

prep time 15 Mins
cook time 25 Mins
chef Ankita Singh
Matar Paneer

Matar Paneer is one of the most loved vegetarian curries in Indian households and restaurants alike. The dish combines the sweetness of green peas with the richness of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a thick, flavorful gravy made from onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. The gravy is creamy yet light, often enriched with cashew paste or cream depending on preference.

This curry is versatile — you can make it rich for festive occasions or keep it simple and homely for everyday meals. It is a good source of protein (from paneer and peas) and can be made in under 40 minutes, which makes it a convenient choice for both weekday lunches and dinners. Its balanced flavors — slightly sweet from peas, tangy from tomatoes, and spiced with garam masala — make it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.

Step 1

Prep the base
Heat oil or ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle. Add onions and sauté until golden brown.

Onion Fried
Step 2

Build the masala
Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 1 minute until raw smell disappears. Add tomato puree and cook until oil starts separating

Step 3

Spice it up
Mix in turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and coriander powder. Cook for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4

Make it creamy
Add cashew paste, stir well, and cook for 2 more minutes. Add 1 cup of water and bring it to a gentle boil.

Add Cashew paste to gravy
Step 5

Add peas & paneer
Add green peas and cook for 5-6 minutes until tender. Gently add paneer cubes and simmer for 3-4 minutes on low flame.

Step 6

Finish with aroma
Sprinkle garam masala and crushed kasuri methi. Stir in cream if using. Simmer for 1 minute and turn off the heat

Sprinkle spices
Step 7

Garnish & serve
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with roti, naan, or jeera rice.

Matar Paneer

Tips and Tricks

  1. Paneer softness: Soak paneer cubes in warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the curry. This keeps them soft.
  2. Thicker gravy: Use less water and add extra cashew paste or cream.
  3. Everyday lighter version: Skip cream and reduce oil for a homestyle curry.
  4. Spice adjustment: Add a green chilli or extra garam masala for a spicier version.
  5. Frozen peas: If using frozen peas, thaw them before adding.

Frequently Asked Questions

 Yes, replace them with extra tomato and cashew paste for a no-onion, no-garlic version often made during festivals

Replace paneer with tofu and cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.

 Yes, you can make the gravy in advance and store it in the fridge for 2-3 days. Add paneer and peas only when reheating to keep them fresh.

It goes best with roti, naan, paratha, jeera rice, or plain basmati rice.

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