Matar Paneer Recipe (Indian Cheese And Pea Curry)

A childhood favorite dish of mine, this is made with a firm style of Indian cheese (paneer) that is cut into cubes, lightly pan-fried, and then simmered with peas in a savory curry. You may serve this dish with the Indian bread or Plain rice or Rice with Cumin and Peas. When serving this dish, keep an eye out to make sure everyone gets an equal amount of cheese (paneer) cubes, instead of being taken all by one person. Firm tofu may be substituted for the cheese.

Serves 3 to 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1½ teaspoons peeled and finely grated fresh ginger
½ small onion, shredded on the largest grating holes of a box grater
1 fully ripe tomato, cut into 4 pieces

½ teaspoon ground turmeric

1 teaspoon garam masala
¼ teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ cup (60 g) frozen or fresh green peas

250gm (paneer) Indian Cheese Block, cubed and pan-fried
1¼ cups (300 ml) water

Directions:

1. Pour the oil into a medium saucepan and place over medium heat. When the oil is heated, add the ginger and onion. Sauté until the onion is golden brown, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes.

2. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the tomato and cover the saucepan. Cook until the tomato becomes completely soft and mashed and is combined with the onion to form a coarse paste, stirring every minute or so and lightly mashing the tomato, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the turmeric, red pepper, salt, garam masala and black pepper. Stir to combine. Cook uncovered for 6 minutes, stirring frequently.

4. Add the peas, pan-fried cheese cubes (or tofu), and water. Stir to combine. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.

5. Stir and reduce the heat to medium. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Enjoy now or let cool to room temperature and refrigerate or freeze for later!