🍛 Creamy Matar Paneer 🍛

🛒 Ingredients

• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) 🌿
• 250g paneer, cubed 🧀
• 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen) 🌱
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee 🌰
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 🧅
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1-inch piece ginger, minced 🧄
• 2 large tomatoes, pureed 🍅
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt 🥛
• 1/4 cup heavy cream 🥛
• 1 tablespoon cashew paste (optional) 🌰
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 🌿
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 🌿
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 🌟
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder 🌶️
• 1 teaspoon garam masala 🌶️
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder 🌟
• 1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) 🌿
• Salt to taste 🧂

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Paneer and Peas

• Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee in a large pan over medium heat.
• Lightly fry the paneer cubes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
• If using frozen peas, thaw them. If using fresh peas, blanch them in hot water for a few minutes.

2. Make the Curry Base

• In the same pan, add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
• Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
• Add the minced garlic and minced ginger, and cook for another minute.

3. Prepare the Sauce

• Stir in the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil starts to separate.
• Add 1 teaspoon of coriander powder, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder, and salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes.

4. Add Dairy and Peas

• Lower the heat and mix in the plain yogurt and heavy cream. Stir well.
• Add the cashew paste if using, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
• Gently fold in the cooked paneer cubes and green peas.
• Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Season and Garnish

• Add 1 teaspoon of garam masala, 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom powder, and 1 tablespoon of kasuri methi. Mix well.
• Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.

6. Serve

Serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.

Creamy Matar Paneer 🍛 is a delicious and comforting Indian dish that pairs perfectly with various types of bread or rice. Enjoy this rich, creamy curry for a delightful meal!