Tips to cook Matar Paneer at home beautifully

Sure, here's a guide on how to cook Matar Paneer:

Matar Paneer, a classic North Indian dish, combines the sweetness of green peas with the creaminess of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) in a rich tomato-based gravy. It's a delightful vegetarian option that's loved by many for its comforting flavors and textures. Let's dive into how you can prepare this dish in your own kitchen.

**Ingredients:**

1. 200 grams paneer, cubed

2. 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)

3. 2 large tomatoes, finely chopped

4. 1 large onion, finely chopped

5. 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced

6. 1-inch piece of ginger, grated

7. 2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust according to your spice preference)

8. 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

9. 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

10. 1 teaspoon red chili powder

11. 1 teaspoon coriander powder

12. 1/2 teaspoon garam masala

13. Salt to taste

14. 2 tablespoons oil or ghee

15. Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Paneer:** Cut the paneer into bite-sized cubes and soak them in warm water for about 15-20 minutes. This step helps to keep the paneer soft and prevents it from turning rubbery while cooking. After soaking, drain the water and set the paneer aside.

2. **Prepare the Gravy:** Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then, add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

3. **Add Aromatics:** Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chilies to the pan. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears and the ingredients turn aromatic.

4. **Tomato Base:** Add the finely chopped tomatoes to the pan along with a pinch of salt. Cook the tomatoes until they turn soft and mushy, stirring occasionally.

5. **Spice it Up:** Once the tomatoes are cooked down, add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder to the pan. Mix well and cook the spices for a minute to enhance their flavors.

6. **Cook the Peas:** Add green peas to the pan and stir to combine them with the tomato-spice mixture. If you're using frozen peas, you can add them directly. If using fresh peas, you may need to cook them for a few minutes until they're tender.

7. **Simmer the Gravy:** Pour water into the pan to adjust the consistency of the gravy. Cover the pan with a lid and let the gravy simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

8. **Add Paneer:** Gently add the soaked paneer cubes to the gravy. Be careful not to break them. Stir gently to coat the paneer with the gravy.

9. **Finish with Garam Masala:** Sprinkle garam masala over the dish for that final burst of flavor. Give it a gentle stir.

10. **Garnish and Serve:** Garnish the Matar Paneer with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness and color. Serve hot with roti, naan, or rice.

Matar Paneer is a versatile dish that pairs well with various Indian bread like roti, naan, or even steamed rice. The creamy texture of paneer combined with the sweetness of green peas makes it a favorite among both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. With this simple recipe, you can recreate the flavors of this classic Indian dish right in your own kitchen. Enjoy!