Ingredients
For the Onion-Tomato Gravy Base | प्याज़-टमाटर की ग्रेवी के लिए:
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तेल | Oil - 2 tablespoons
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प्याज़ | Onion (sliced) - 2 large
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लहसुन | Garlic (crushed) - 4 cloves
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अदरक | Ginger - 1-inch piece
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टमाटर | Tomato (sliced) - 2 large or 4 medium
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काजू | Cashews - 6 pieces
For the Curry | करी के लिए:
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तेल | Oil - 2 tablespoons
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घी | Ghee - 1 teaspoon
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जीरा | Cumin Seeds - 1 teaspoon
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दालचीनी | Cinnamon - ½ inch
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इलायची | Cardamom Pods - 2
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हरी मिर्च | Green Chili (sliced) - 2
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हल्दी पाउडर | Turmeric Powder - ½ teaspoon
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लाल मिर्च पाउडर | Red Chili Powder - 1 teaspoon
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धनिया पाउडर | Coriander Powder - 1 teaspoon
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गरम मसाला | Garam Masala - 1 teaspoon
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नमक | Salt - As per taste
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मटर | Green Peas - 1 cup
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पनीर | Paneer (cubed) - 250 grams
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कसूरी मेथी | Kasuri Methi (crushed) - 1 teaspoon
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धनिया पत्ती | Fresh Coriander (chopped) - 2 tablespoons
Directions
Preparing the Gravy Base (ग्रेवी बेस तैयार करें):
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan.
- Add sliced onions, crushed garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.
- Add sliced tomatoes Cook until the tomatoes become soft and mushy.
- Add cashews.
- Allow the mixture to cool completely, then transfer it to a mixer jar.
- Grind the mixture to a smooth paste without adding water.
Preparing the Curry (करी तैयार करें):
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil and add cumin seeds, cinnamon, cardamom pods, and sliced green chilies. Sauté until the spices turn aromatic.
- Reduce the flame to low and add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Mix well and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the prepared onion-tomato gravy to the pan. Cook until the oil separates from the gravy base.
Combining Ingredients (मटर और पनीर मिलाएं):
Add 1 cup of green peas and salt to the gravy. Mix gently.
- Add paneer cubes and stir well so they soak in the flavors.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 5 minutes, or until the peas are tender and the paneer is well coated.
Final Touch (अंतिम स्पर्श):
Add freshly chopped coriander leaves. Mix well.
Serving (परोसें):
Serve hot with roti, naan, paratha, or steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
Recipe Note
Tips for Perfect Matar Paneer
- Fresh Paneer: Use fresh paneer for a soft and creamy texture. Soak store-bought paneer in warm water to soften it.
- Avoid Overcooking Peas: Cook peas until just tender to retain their natural sweetness.
- Kasuri Methi Boost: Crush kasuri methi between your palms before adding for enhanced aroma.
- Adjust Gravy Consistency: Add water based on whether you prefer a thicker or thinner curry.
Cultural Significance
Matar Paneer is a cornerstone of North Indian cuisine, symbolizing comfort and celebration. Often prepared during festivals and special occasions, this dish combines simple ingredients with a medley of spices to create a rich and indulgent curry. The creamy texture of the gravy, balanced with the sweetness of peas and the softness of paneer, makes Matar Paneer a universal favorite. It exemplifies the essence of Indian cooking—simple yet packed with flavor.