Mattar Paneer

Hello lovelies, so today I decided to go ahead and try something new. I love this dish and decided I'd give it a go. Matter Paneer is an Indian/Pakistani dish which consists of peas and cheese. If you want to go for a healthier option, you can substitute the cheese for tofu, they have about the same consistency so you really can't even tell the difference.

Ingredients:

200 grams of Paneer (or about half a block of the paneer cheese if you get the small size)
1 cup frozen peas (you can use fresh)
1 1/4 cup water
1 tsp. turmeric powder
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tbsp. garam masala
1/2 tbsp. coriander powder
2 tsp. cumin powder
salt to taste
2 tbsp. ginger/garlic paste
1/2 - 1 can canned diced tomatoes (you can use fresh tomatoes)
1/2 - 1 onion
1/4 tsp. fenugreen powder
2 tbsp. half&half

note: many recipes call for coriander leaves for garnishing and whole garam masala, cumin seeds etc. but I didn't have it so I didn't add them. You can and I'm sure you'll get a richer flavour but this worked fine for me. you can also add green chills.

Directions:

1. Heat a bit of oil in frying pan, when hot, put in your paneer and fry for approx. 5 minutes or until slightly brown. Take it out and put on paper towel and set aside for later.

2. In the frying pan, on medium heat, toss in your chopped onion along with turmeric powder. Fry until the onions are slightly brown. When brown, stir in ginger/garlic paste and tomatoes. Cover and let cook for approx. 15 minutes.

3. After 15 minutes, take the contents of your frying pan and put it into a food processor or blender and blend until it becomes a smooth paste.

4. Once smooth, heat oil in frying pan and add cumin powder, garam masala and the paste. Also add chili powder, coriander powder and salt to taste. Now add your peas and stir in 1cup of water. . Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for about 5 minutes.

5. Finally, add the paneer you set aside and let simmer for another 10 minutes. If need be add a 1/4 cup more water.To finish it off, add your half and half or cream and garnish as you please. Serve with roti, paratha or naan.

xoxo