Creamy Mattar Paneer Recipe
Since mattar paneer is one of my very favorite Punjabi dishes, I have made several different versions over the years. Some included a fair amount of yogurt for a rich and creamy element, while others were more classic in that the cubes of tender milky paneer cheese were simmered in a spiced tomato gravy with a swirl or two of yogurt or cream added into the dish near the end of the cooking time. Sometimes I have included mint, and other times, choose dried fenugreek leaves to compliment and enliven the spices. This version also focuses on a thick rich tomato base which takes precedence as the vehicle for the paneer cheese and peas and, of course, a range of aromatic and hot spices, but because I also wanted to add a creamy element to the dish, I prepared a cashew paste that is included for a pleasant balance of earthy and spicy.
The paneer cubes may be pan-fried in some oil until lightly browned on the sides, before adding them to the dish. This of course makes the paneer firmer in texture and the paneer will assert a more prominent showing in contrast to the other components in the dish. As a good paneer should be firm, I didn't think it really necessary and as it has a high melting point, the cubes still hold their shape and I thoroughly enjoyed the creamier texture achieved by skipping that step. Either way, a good mattar paneer is one you won't soon forget.
Despite the lengthy list of ingredients, this dish is easy to make and comes together in less than 20 minutes once the ingredients are prepared and the cashew paste has been blended.
Creamy Mattar Paneer (Succulent Cubes of Paneer Cheese Simmered in a Rich and Creamy Tomato Gravy with Green Peas) |
Recipe by Lisa Turner Cuisine: Indian Published on April 16, 2019 An easy, warm, creamy and comforting classic Indian tomato, pea and paneer cheese dish with a cashew paste and a delicious array of hot and fragrant spices Preparation: 20 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes Print this recipe Cashew-ginger-garlic-chili paste:
|
Other recipes featuring paneer from Lisa's Kitchen:
Classic Mattar Paneer
Paneer Cheese in an Aromatic Cashew Coconut Gravy (Paneer Korma)
Mattar Paneer with Dried Fenugreek Leaves
Butter Paneer Masala (Cheese Cubes Smothered in a Spicy Tomato Gravy)
Shredded Paneer Cheese with Tomatoes, Chilies, Mushrooms and Chickpeas
On the top of the reading stack: Reflections On A Ravaged Century by Robert Conquest
Audio accompaniment: Stillpoint by Purl