🍛 Matar Paneer Recipe | Restaurant Style Green Peas Paneer Curry

Looking for a delicious, comforting, and protein-rich vegetarian Indian dish? This Matar Paneer Recipe (Green Peas Paneer Curry) is a classic North Indian curry made with soft paneer cubes and green peas simmered in a rich, spiced tomato-onion gravy. It’s one of the most popular paneer recipes for dinner in Indian households and restaurants alike.

Whether you’re cooking a weekday meal or preparing for a special occasion, this restaurant style matar paneer is a go-to recipe that is easy, quick, and full of flavor.

🛒 Ingredients for Matar Paneer (Serves 4)

For Gravy:

• Tomatoes – 3 medium, chopped

• Onions – 2 medium, chopped

• Ginger – 1 inch

• Garlic – 5–6 cloves

• Green chili – 1 (optional)

For the Curry:

• Paneer – 200 grams, cut into cubes

• Green peas (fresh or frozen) – 1 cup

• Oil or ghee – 3 tablespoons

• Cumin seeds – 1 tsp

• Bay leaf – 1

• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

• Red chili powder – 1 tsp

• Coriander powder – 1½ tsp

• Garam masala – ½ tsp

• Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) – 1 tsp, crushed

• Salt – to taste

• Water – 1 to 1½ cups (adjust consistency)

• Fresh coriander – for garnish

• Fresh cream – 1 tablespoon (optional)

🧑‍🍳 Make Matar Paneer – Step-by-Step Instructions

✅ Step 1: Prepare the Gravy Base

1. In a blender, add chopped tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, and green chili.

2. Blend into a smooth paste without adding water. Set aside.

📝 Tip: This base gives the curry its creamy and rich texture — a key for restaurant style matar paneer.

✅ Step 2: Cook the Masala

1. Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat.

2. Add cumin seeds and bay leaf, let them splutter.

3. Add the onion-tomato paste and sauté until oil starts separating (10–12 minutes).

4. Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt.

5. Cook for 1–2 minutes to let the spices release aroma.

✅ Step 3: Add Peas and Paneer

1. Add green peas and mix well into the masala.

2. Pour 1 to 1½ cups of water depending on desired consistency.

3. Cover and simmer for 5–7 minutes if using fresh peas (2–3 mins for frozen).

🟢 For frozen peas, no need to pre-cook. Add directly to the curry.

4. Add paneer cubes and gently mix. Cook for another 3–4 minutes.

5. Add garam masala, kasuri methi, and cream (if using). Stir gently.

6. Switch off the flame and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

🫓 Serving Suggestions

Matar Paneer tastes best when served hot with:

• Butter Naan

• Tandoori Roti

• Steamed Basmati Rice

• Jeera Rice

• Lachha Paratha

Add a side of pickled onions or cucumber raita for a complete North Indian meal.

🎉 Perfect Occasions to Serve Matar Paneer

🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)

✅ This protein-rich vegetarian Indian recipe is also gluten-free and packed with essential nutrients.

💡 Tips for the Best Matar Paneer

• Use fresh paneer for soft, melt-in-mouth texture. If using store-bought paneer, soak in warm water for 10 minutes.

• Always cook the masala until oil separates — this brings out deep flavors.

• Add a pinch of sugar if tomatoes are too tangy.

• Use low-fat cream or curd for a lighter version.

• For a smoky dhaba flavor, try the dhungar method using coal smoke (optional but amazing).

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make matar paneer without onion and garlic?

Yes, skip onion-garlic and use tomato-cashew puree for a no onion garlic matar paneer version.

Q: Can I use frozen peas?

Absolutely. Frozen peas work perfectly and reduce cooking time.

Q: Is matar paneer good for weight loss?

It can be. Use low-fat paneer, minimal oil, and avoid cream for a low-calorie version.

Q: How to make matar paneer in pressure cooker?

After sautéing the masala, add peas and ½ cup water. Pressure cook for 2 whistles. Add paneer and simmer.

🔚 Interesting Facts

This easy matar paneer recipe is a beautiful blend of home-style comfort and restaurant-style richness. It’s an ideal pick for anyone searching for vegetarian Indian curry recipes, especially with paneer and green peas. Packed with flavor, protein, and aroma, this curry fits well into both weekday menus and festive meals.

Try this dish once, and it will surely become a regular in your home! 😊