Mattar (Peas) Paneer (Cheese)

This recipe is a great combination of only fresh or frozen peas and cottage cheese (Paneer*).
The cottage cheese can be purchased from the local supermarkets or Indian grocery stores – It can also be prepared at home. 

Peas are considered to be one of the most nutritious vegetable and low in calories.  Although frozen and canned peas are easier to use, consuming fresh peas whenever possible is a better option as the key vitamins such as Vitamin C, B1, B2, B3 and B6 will be more in fresh peas than frozen or canned!!

Ingredients to serve 6 people

1 Cup fresh or frozen peas
20 small cube pieces of Paneer(cottage cheese)
3 Tbs Oil
1 Medium Sized Onion
1 Pinch of Turmeric Powder
1 Large Tomato
50-100 gms Tomato Paste
1-2 Green Chillies (finely chopped)
2 Cloves Peeled Garlic (finely chopped)
1 Inch Piece Fresh Ginger (finely chopped or grated )
1-2 Tsp Garamasala Powder
1 Tsp Red Chilli Powder

1-2 Tsp Salt
Few Freshly Chopped Coriander Leaves

Mattar Paneer Recipe

Mattar Paneer

Preparation

Cook the peas in the microwave separately for 6-7 minutes with a tablespoon of water
Chop the onions and tomoto really fine and keep aside
Heat the oil in the pan and add the turmeric powder
The chopped onion, ginger and garlic can be added immediately and fried till the onion is glassy and soft
Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste and sauté for a couple of minutes
Add the cooked peas, paneer, garamasala, red chilli powder and salt
Add quarter cup of water, cover with a lid and cook on a low flame for 4-5 minutes

Garnish it with chopped fresh coriander leaves

Note: Paneer* is Cottage Cheese which is available in Indian grocery stores, which can be sliced easily and used. You can make the Paneer at home as well –
It is optional to use 2 tablespoons of fresh cream in this recipe.   Add the cream when you add the peas and paneer.

This dish tastes delicious with Puris, Chapatis, Naans and Plain Rice.