Matar Paneer Masala / Paneer Peas Masala

Paneer Peas Masala is a rich, creamy and popular dish from North India. Try this; I am sure everyone in your family will like this, especially your kids! 

Serves - 4 to 5 people

Ingredients:

Paneer (cottage cheese) - 250 gms
Green peas - ½ cup ( I used frozen peas)
Tomatoes - 3 medium sized
Red chilli powder - 1 tsp
Coriander powder - 2 tsp
Garam masala powder - ½ to ¾ tsp
Kasurimethi - 1 tsp (heaped)
Oil / butter / ghee - 2 tbsp
Cream - 2 tbsp (optional)
Salt - to taste
Sugar - ½ tsp(optional)

To Grind:
Ginger - 1½ inch piece
Garlic - 5 to 6 cloves
Green chillies - 2
Onion - 1 big

Directions:

Pre - Preparations:

Boil tomato in water until it becomes soft. After it cools down, peel the skin of tomatoes and grind to a smooth paste. Keep aside.

Grind ginger, garlic, green chillies and onion to fine paste.

Cut the paneer into cubes and thaw the peas. Keep aside.

Cooking Procedure:

Heat oil / butter / ghee in a pan; add bay leaf and cumin seeds.

When it crackles, add grounded onion paste and saute till the raw smell goes.

Once it is done; add red chilli powder, corriander powder, garam masala powder and grounded tomato mixture with salt, sugar and 1 to 1½ cup of water.

Mix well and add green peas; allow to cook in a medium flame for three to five minutes or till the oil separates.

Now add paneer, kasurimethi, cream and mix; allow to cook in low fame for 2 to 3 minutes.

Your Paneer Peas Masala is now ready to be served hot!

This will be a best accompaniment for all Indian flat breads and with pulao varieties.

Note:

Instead of cream you can substitute with ½ cup of milk.

Sugar is added to balance the acidity of tomatoes.

 You can also avoid butter / ghee and use oil instead.

Adjust the water quantity and spice level to suit your taste.