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    Home » Uncategorized

    Published: Apr 19, 2016 · Modified: Mar 10, 2022 by Smruti · This post may contain affiliate links · 14 Comments

    Paneer Matar

    Blogging Marathon# 63 -Journey through the cuisines: Day 16

    State: Punjab

    Dish: Paneer Matar


    Not so long ago I was checking me blog index to see what all I have there. To my sheer surprise, I had Paneer Makhani, Tofu Mutter, Palak Paneer, Methi Mutter Malai and Methi Mutter Masala; butt no Paneer Matar or Mutter Paneer as a lot of people also call it. I had that thought at the back of my mind while I was making a list for this Mega Marathon. Today's letter is P, and there are a dozen ingredients and dishes in Punjabi cuisine that begin from P: Palak, Paneer, Peas, Pinjri, Phirni, Pinni. But I chose a dish that essentially is the heart of Punjab: Paneer Matar.



    Generally seen as a simple dish, there are ample ways to make Paneer Matar. I have relished this dish at the dhabas in Punjab, and now how hard I try, I can never replicate the taste. The chief reason for that I think is that I use frozen paneer, and not fresh like them. I have thought of making paneer several times, but always put it off till the next time! I think I should soon start making my own paneer. 



    Coming to the dish, as I mentioned, there are various forms of the same. While some have a very dry sabji of paneer and matar, some have a thick gravy made from blanched tomatoes and some have a very smooth gravy made from onion paste and tomato paste. I have used pureed tomatoes and finely diced onions, that gives a slight crunchy texture to the dish. Also, there is a difference in the way people treat their paneer. Some like to saute it in little oil before adding to the curry, some deep fry it and few people just add diced paneer. I did the last, just dropped cubed paneer in my curry and it tasted just fine. That has a more dhaba feel to it, where people do not generally fry their paneer.

    Ingredients



    Paneer 1 block

    Peas 1 cup

    Onion 2 medium

    Tomatoes 3-4 medium pureed

    Garlic, ginger chilli paste 1 tbsp

    Mustard seeds 1 tsp

    Cumin seeds 1 tsp

    Asafoetida a pinch

    Bay leaf 1

    Oil 1 tbsp

    Red Chilli Powder 2 tsp 

    Turmeric powder 1 tsp

    Salt, Sugar, Lime juice to taste

    Cilantro

    Method



    Thaw paneer and cut into cubes. Boil peas in water till partially soft (about 4-5 minutes). 


    Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds. once they pop, add asafoetida, cumin seeds and bay leaf. Once the cumin pops, add ginger garlic and chilli paste. Cook till the raw flavor vanishes. 


    Next, add finely diced onions and cook till soft. Add the tomato puree, red chilli powder and turmeric. Cover and cook till the curry becomes bright red. Then add the boiled peas and paneer. 



    Season with salt and sugar. Cook for 4-5 minutes to let the paneer and peas absorb the flavor. Turn down the flame and add lime juice. 


    Season with cilantro and serve with naan or kulcha. Also, papad and steamed rice along with raita completes the meal!


    Check out the Blogging Marathon page for the other Blogging Marathoners doing BM# 63

    An InLinkz Link-up


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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Srivalli says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:08 pm

      Smruti your pictures are so stunning, I love how well you plate your dishes..and this matar paneer is our favorite too...

      Reply
    2. Priya Suresh says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:08 pm

      Wish i get that bowl of paneer mattar rite from my lappy screen, ultimate side dish for rotis.

      Reply
    3. MySpicyKitchen says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:08 pm

      You are right about many ways to prepare this curry and there so many versions online. This is such a popular curry all across the globe and a perfect Punjabi dish for P.

      Reply
    4. Gayathri Kumar says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:08 pm

      I used to deep fry paneer before but nowadays add it just like that and it turns out very soft. This paneer matar looks so inviting..

      Reply
    5. Srividhya says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:08 pm

      Very tempting recipe. Love your personalized cutting board. Wonderful.

      Reply
    6. Suma Gandlur says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:08 pm

      The dish looks very colorful and is a yummy choice for P.

      Reply
    7. vaishali sabnani says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:08 pm

      Mattar panner is a dish which has to be on the Pujabi tables very often , living in Delhi , i am more of a Punjabi than Sindhi ;)) Tour set up looks perfect for A meal , excellent clicks .

      Reply
    8. Kalyani says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:08 pm

      matar paneer or paneer matar - ki farak Painda :)))

      this looks sooo inviting 🙂 my kid's go-to dish anyday !

      Reply
    9. Amara’s cooking says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:08 pm

      Love matar paneer, such a beautiful presentation...loving it:)

      Reply
    10. Pavani says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:08 pm

      That is such a classic Punjabi dish Smruthi. Perfect pick for letter P.

      Reply
    11. Harini R says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:08 pm

      Very beautifully plated. Love the colorful and yummy sabji.

      Reply
    12. Sandhya Ramakrishnan says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:08 pm

      Matar paneer is such a classic dish and I am literally drooling over your pictures!

      Reply
    13. cookingwithsapana says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:08 pm

      Dry version of matar paneer looks delcious. You should tell us your source f lightening in the pictures. Too good.

      Reply
    14. Chef Mireille says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:08 pm

      looks so inviting and colorful and I love all these ingredients - lovely side dish I can dig into

      Reply

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