- 1
Start the aloo matar paneer recipe by blitzing four garlic cloves and a 1-inch piece of ginger into a smooth puree using a blender or food processor—this will be your flavor-packed base.
- 2
Heat up 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, and toss in two bay leaves, one piece of cinnamon, a teaspoon of coriander seeds, six black peppercorns, four green cardamoms, and four cloves.
- 3
Let them sizzle and release their magic for a minute or two—it's like the curtain-raiser to a flavour show.
- 4
Add one large minced onion and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the pan, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent.
- 5
This step brings out its sweetness while toning down the bite.
- 6
Next, stir in your garlic-ginger puree along with one chopped green chili.
- 7
Cook it for another minute or two, just enough for the chili to mellow out a bit.
- 8
Toss in two diced tomatoes and give everything a good stir.
- 9
If the mixture starts getting too thick, add 1/2 cup of water to loosen things up.
- 10
Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of chili powder and 1 teaspoon of ground cumin to amp up the spice game.
- 11
Let the tomatoes cook down, release their juices, and mingle with the spices for a few minutes.
- 12
Once the mixture has cooked down and smells like the stuff of dreams, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly before blending it into a smooth, silky sauce.
- 13
Transfer the puree back to the pan, stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and a teaspoon of ground fenugreek, and let it simmer.
- 14
The butter adds richness, while the fenugreek gives it that unique earthy kick.
- 15
Now it's potato time!
- 16
Add 1 cup of diced russet potatoes to the sauce and let them simmer for 10-15 minutes until they're nearly tender and soaking up all those curry flavours.
- 17
Once the potatoes are almost done, stir in 250 grams of cubed paneer and 1/2 cup of frozen peas.
- 18
Let everything cook together for another 5 minutes—just enough for the paneer to absorb the sauce without losing its creamy texture and for the peas to brighten things up with their sweetness and pop of green.
- 19
Finally, season with a teaspoon of salt and stir in 2 teaspoons of honey for that perfect sweet-spicy balance that makes this dish irresistible.
- 20
Serve your Aloo Matar Paneer hot with soft naan, flaky parathas, or a bowl of steaming rice.