Matar Paneer Recipe Pakistani Style | Easy & Delicious Curry

Matar Paneer Recipe – Easy Pakistani Style

Matar Paneer is a delicious and comforting South Asian curry made with soft paneer cubes and sweet green peas cooked in a rich, flavorful tomato-based gravy. This easy homemade version is perfect for a cozy family dinner and tastes delicious with roti, naan, paratha, or rice.

If you love simple vegetarian desi meals, this Matar Paneer recipe is definitely worth trying!

Make this easy Matar Paneer recipe with soft paneer, green peas, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. A delicious homemade curry perfect with roti, naan, or rice.

   Recipe Details:

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4

Cuisine: Pakistani / Indian

Course: Main Course

Difficulty: Easy

❤️ Why You'll Love This Matar Paneer

This homemade Matar Paneer is easy, flavorful, filling, and perfect for busy weeknight dinners. The creamy paneer combined with sweet green peas and spicy tomato masala creates a comforting curry that pairs beautifully with both bread and rice.

🧀 Ingredients:

For the Curry:

- 250 g paneer, cut into cubes

- 1½ cups green peas, fresh or frozen

- 2 medium onions, finely chopped

- 2 medium tomatoes, pureed

- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

- 2–3 green chilies, sliced

- ½ cup cooking oil

- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds

- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon red chili powder

- 1 teaspoon coriander powder

- ½ teaspoon cumin powder

- ½ teaspoon garam masala

- Salt to taste

- 1½–2 cups water

- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander, chopped

Optional:

- 2 tablespoons cream for a richer curry

- ½ teaspoon kasuri methi

🍲 How to Make Dhaba Style Matar Paneer

1. Prepare the Paneer:

Cut the paneer into bite-sized cubes.

For a slightly golden texture, lightly fry the paneer cubes in a little oil until they turn light golden. Remove and keep aside.

Tip: Don't over-fry the paneer, otherwise it can become chewy.

2. Make the Masala:

Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.

Add chopped onions and cook until golden brown.

Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté for about 1 minute.

3: Add tomatoes and Spices:

Add the tomato puree along with:

- Turmeric

- Red chili powder

- Coriander powder

- Cumin powder

- Salt

Cook until the tomatoes are completely cooked and the oil begins to separate from the masala.

4. Add Green Peas:

Add the green peas and mix well.

Pour in about 1½ cups water. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the peas are tender.

5. Add Paneer:

Add the fried paneer cubes and gently mix.

Cover and simmer for another 5–7 minutes so the paneer absorbs the flavors of the curry.

6. Finish the Curry:

Add garam masala and kasuri methi if using.

For a creamy version, stir in 2 tablespoons of cream.

Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.

🍽️ What to Serve with Matar Paneer

Matar Paneer tastes delicious with:

- Roti

- Chapati

- Naan

- Garlic naan

- Paratha

- Jeera rice

- Steamed basmati rice

- Vegetable pulao

Serve it with fresh salad and raita for a complete desi meal.

💡 Tips for Perfect Matar Paneer

- Use fresh paneer for the softest texture.

- Don't overcook the paneer.

- Fresh or frozen green peas can both be used.

- Cook the tomato masala properly for the best flavor.

- For softer paneer, soak the cubes in warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the curry.

- Add cream at the end if you prefer a richer, restaurant-style gravy.