Indian Cheese with peas/ Matar Paneer

I have posted many Paneer recipes. Let us continue with one more recipe with Paneer. Matar Paneer is a popular dish from the Northern Region of India. It requires a very few ingredients and does not require Cashew Paste or fresh cream like most other Paneer preparations.

Ingredients:

For Masala:

Oil – 1 tbsp

Onion – 2 (chopped)

Ginger -1 inch

Garlic – 4 pods

Onion (medium sized) – 2 (chopped)

For the main dish:

Oil – 3 tbsp

Chilli Powder – 1 tsp

Coriander Seed Powder – 1 tsp

Turmeric Powder – 1 pinch

Garam Masala – ¼ tsp

Salt – to suit taste

Boiled Green Peas – ¼ cups (use fresh or frozen peas)

Paneer (Cottage Cheese) – 200 Gms (cut into cubes)

Chopped Coriander Leaves – 1 tbsp

Chopped Coriander Leaves – for garnishing

Method:

Heat 1 tbsp of Oil in a pan. Add Onion, Ginger, Garlic and some Salt Sauté for 2 minutes in medium flame.

Add chopped Tomatoes and cook till the Tomatoes become soft.

Allow them to cool.

Grind all of them together to a fine paste by adding little water, if required. Heat 3 tbsp of Oil in the same pan. Add the ground paste and chili powder and mix. Cook till the masala becomes thick

Add Coriander Powder, Garam Masala and Turmeric Powder till the water evaporates completely.

Add 1 ½ cup of water. Adjust Salt. Cover the pan and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes.

Add Paneer and boiled Peas to it. Mix and boil for 3 to 4 minutes covered with a lid.

Remove the lid and add Coriander Leaves.

Mix well.

Transfer to a serving bowl.