Mattar Paneer (Paneer with Green Peas)

Recipe No: 63

A few days before, I posted what I call a ‘Multi Purpose Gravy’. This is another recipe  in which I use that Gravy as a base. In that post I mentioned that it is possible to freeze the gravy and thaw when necessary. (For the recipe click here) If you have some of that in your freezer then this is a breeze… easy yet delicious. I like the gravy on a thick side, but it is perfectly okay if you make it a bit more thin by adding some water, specially if you want to serve it with Naan.

Ingredients                                Serves 6

• Multi Purpose gravy….1 batch
• Oil……………………………1 Tablespoon
• Paneer……………………..7 oz (around 200 grams)
• Frozen Peas…..………....1 ½ cups (Precook the Peas if you are using dried Peas)
• Cream……………………...1/2 cup
• Kasoori methi…………...1/2 Teaspoon
• Coriander leaves……….3 Tablespoons
• Salt to taste

Method of Preparation

1. Cut the Paneer into thin flat slabs and fry on both sides using a tablespoon of oil. This way you can reduce the oil consumption. (when compared to the traditional practice of frying Paneer after making cubes.)
2. Once fried, remove it from the pan and drain the excess oil on a paper towel. Cut it into small bite size cubes and keep aside for later use.
3. To a deep pan on medium heat add the gravy, cover the pan and let it simmer till the gravy is cooked, for about 5-8 minutes. (The foam that may appear on top of the gravy is a sign that it is not yet cooked properly and will be gone once cooked.) Stir occasionally, as the Cashew in the gravy has a tendency to  stick to the bottom of the pan.
4. Once the gravy is cooked add Peas, Paneer, 1/2 cup water  and Salt  (if needed) and mix well. Close the pan and let it cook for 10 minutes on medium heat.
5. If you want more gravy add some water at this point and let it to boil for a minute.
6. Once boiled add Cream, Kasoori Methi and Coriander leaves and allow it to boil along the edges.
7. Serve hot with Naan, Chappathi or hot boiled Basmati rice.

Notes: 

• Kasoori Methi is dried Fenugreek leaves that are available in most of the Indian stores.
• You can substitute Cream with evaporated low fat milk (here I used that) or if you want regular milk.

Make it, enjoy the deliciousness and
serve it to your family with love…