Delicious Homemade Matar Paneer Sabji Recipe: A Classic North Indian Delight

Matar Paneer is one of the most cherished North Indian vegetarian dishes, combining soft cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with green peas (matar) in a rich, aromatic tomato-based gravy. It is a comforting and flavorful sabji that finds its place in festive meals, family lunches, and regular dinners alike. Whether paired with roti, naan, or rice, this dish never fails to impress. In this blog, let’s take a deeper look into the recipe, tips for perfect texture, and its variations.

Ingredients Needed
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for preparing matar paneer sabji that serves 4 people:

For the Sabji Base:
● 1½ tablespoons oil or ghee

● 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

● 1 large onion (finely chopped)

● 2 medium tomatoes (pureed)

● 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

● 1-2 green chillies (slit or chopped)

● ½ teaspoon turmeric powder

● 1 teaspoon red chilli powder (adjust to taste)

● 1 teaspoon coriander powder

● ½ teaspoon garam masala

● Salt to taste

For the Main Ingredients:
● 200 grams paneer (cubed)

● 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)

● 1¼ cups water (adjust for desired consistency)

● 1 tablespoon cream or milk (optional for creaminess)

● Chopped coriander leaves for garnish


Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preparing the Masala Base
Heat oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan. Once hot, add cumin seeds and let them sizzle. Then add finely chopped onions and sauté on medium flame until they turn golden brown. This step is crucial as it sets the base flavor of the sabji.
Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chillies. Sauté till the raw smell of garlic disappears. Now add the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil starts separating from the masala. This ensures the tomatoes are well cooked and won’t leave a raw taste in the curry.

2. Spicing the Gravy
Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and coriander powder to the tomato-onion mixture. Cook the spices for a minute, stirring continuously to avoid burning. The aroma at this stage becomes very inviting.

3. Adding Green Peas and Simmering
Add green peas to the masala and mix well. Pour in water and allow the peas to simmer for about 5-7 minutes until they become soft. If you're using frozen peas, they’ll cook faster; fresh peas may take slightly longer.

4. Incorporating the Paneer
Gently add the paneer cubes to the pan. Let the curry simmer for another 5-7 minutes so the paneer absorbs the flavors of the masala. Be careful not to overcook the paneer, as it may turn rubbery.
For added richness, you can stir in a tablespoon of cream or milk at this stage. Sprinkle garam masala and mix gently.

5. Garnishing and Serving
Turn off the heat and garnish with chopped coriander leaves. Let the curry sit for a few minutes before serving, as it allows the flavors to blend well.

Serving Suggestions
Matar paneer sabji pairs perfectly with phulka, roti, naan, or paratha. For a heartier meal, it can be served with jeera rice or plain basmati rice. Add a side of sliced onions, cucumber salad, and a dollop of curd to complete the meal.

Tips for the Perfect Matar Paneer
● Use fresh paneer: Homemade or freshly bought paneer works best. If using store-bought paneer, soak it in warm water for 10 minutes to soften it before adding to the curry.

● Adjust spice levels: You can reduce or increase the quantity of green chilli and red chilli powder depending on your spice tolerance.

● Roast paneer cubes: Some people like to lightly roast paneer cubes before adding them to the curry for added flavor and texture.

● Make it vegan: Substitute paneer with tofu and cream with coconut milk to make a vegan version of matar paneer.


Variations to Try
● Dhaba-style matar paneer: Add kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) and use mustard oil instead of regular oil for that earthy, rustic taste.

● No onion-garlic version: Skip onions and garlic for a sattvic or Jain variation. Use hing (asafoetida) and extra tomatoes for richness.

● Cashew-based gravy: Blend soaked cashews with the tomato for a richer, creamier gravy that’s ideal for festive occasions.


Conclusion
Matar Paneer is more than just a dish—it is comfort food for many Indian households. Its rich yet simple flavors, ease of preparation, and nutritional content make it a go-to recipe. Whether you're a beginner learning Indian cooking or a seasoned cook exploring everyday meals, this recipe is sure to win hearts at your dining table. Try it out, and you’ll understand why it’s a timeless classic.