Matar paneer
Matar paneer is a classic vegetarian curry made with golden cubes of pan-fried paneer simmered in a spiced, aromatic gravy. Scented with whole spices like cardamom, cloves, and star anise, it delivers a comforting balance of savoury flavours and tender textures. Pan-fry the cheese until lightly browned beforehand to help it hold its shape and absorb the sauce.
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil45 ml
- garlic clove2 კბილი
- Black cardamom1 ცალი
- green cardamoms4 ცალი
- Cloves2 ცალი
- Star anise1 ცალი
Instructions
4 steps- 1
Heat 5mm/¼in oil in a sauté or deep frying pan over a high heat. To check the oil is hot enough, add a cube of paneer to the oil - it should sizzle if oil is hot enough. Once ready, add the paneer cubes and shallow fry in batches for 2-3 minutes, turning once until golden brown on each side. Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the paneer and set aside to drain on kitchen paper.
- 2
Carefully tip out the oil and return the pan to the heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and fry the onion and cumin seeds over a medium heat for around 6-8 minutes until the onions are soft, stirring frequently. Add the garlic, ginger, chillies and coriander stalks and fry for a further minute.
- 3
Add the cardamom pods, cloves, star anise, turmeric and garam masala. Season well with salt and continue to cook for a couple of minutes, stirring until the spices are aromatic. Stir in the passata and simmer gently for 10 more minutes.
- 4
Add the paneer, mix well and simmer for a few minutes to allow the cheese to take on the flavours. Add a generous splash of water to loosen and then stir in the peas and coriander leaves. Season with salt and pepper and simmer for a further 2-3 minutes to cook the peas. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
1 serving ≈ 300 g
Nutrition values are estimates. - means data is unavailable.
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