Indian cuisine is rich with comforting dishes that bring happiness with every bite. Among the most beloved vegetarian meals, matar paneer holds a special place. This delightful combination of fresh green peas and soft paneer in a flavorful tomato-based gravy has been enjoyed across generations and cultures. At Shalimar Phuket, we serve a restaurant-style version that tastes like home — but with a touch of culinary refinement.
This guide shares a detailed matar paneer recipe, similar to the traditional style used by our chefs. Whether you want to cook it at home or experience it in our cozy restaurant environment, this article will help you appreciate why this dish remains a timeless favorite.
Why Matar Paneer Is Loved Everywhere
This dish is simple yet satisfying — tender paneer, sweet peas, and aromatic spices blend into a rich gravy that pairs wonderfully with rice or bread. It has a balanced taste: mild spiciness, a gentle sweetness from peas, and a comforting creaminess from the paneer.
The best part? It fits every occasion — a family dinner, festive gathering, or weekend indulgence. Recipe paneer matar dishes like this represent the heart of Indian home cooking, where flavor and comfort come together in harmony.
Ingredients for a Delicious Matar Paneer
Here are the main ingredients typically used in our kitchen when making matar paneer at Shalimar:
- Fresh paneer cubes
- Green peas (fresh or lightly boiled frozen peas)
- Tomato puree for a rich base
- Onion paste for mild sweetness
- Ginger and garlic for depth of flavor
- Green chili depending on spice level
- Cumin seeds and bay leaf for aroma
- Turmeric, coriander powder, and garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Cooking oil or ghee
- Fresh cream or milk for smooth texture
- Fresh coriander for garnish
These ingredients blend perfectly to create the authentic flavor our guests enjoy.
How We Prepare Matar Paneer – Step-by-Step
Here is a simple and effective method inspired by how our chefs prepare it at Shalimar:
Step 1: Create the Flavor Base
Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds and a bay leaf. Let them crackle and release aroma.
Step 2: Cook the Onions
Add finely chopped or pureed onions. Cook until golden brown.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Mix in ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
Step 4: Tomato & Spice Magic
Add tomato puree, turmeric, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Cook until the gravy thickens and oil separates.
Step 5: The Peas Join In
Add green peas with a splash of water. Let them soften and absorb flavors.
Step 6: Paneer Time
Gently add paneer cubes and mix softly so the pieces stay intact.
Step 7: Final Touch
Sprinkle garam masala and top with cream or milk for smoothness. Simmer briefly so everything combines beautifully.
Step 8: Garnish & Serve
Fresh coriander leaves enhance both taste and presentation.
This method teaches how to make matar paneer in a way that guarantees joy in every bite.
Why Try Matar Paneer at Shalimar Restaurant?
Cooking this dish at home is always wonderful — but dining at Shalimar brings a different kind of experience. Our chefs prepare the curry with fresh, premium ingredients and a level of expertise that gives it depth and consistency. The texture, aroma, and balance of spices feel just right.
We serve our matar paneer recipe with bread like naan, roti, or paratha — and even with steamed rice for a wholesome meal. Guests who visit us once often return to enjoy this humble yet flavorful dish again and again.
Our vegetarian customers especially appreciate this choice because it is packed with protein, light on the stomach, and full of delightful flavors.
Tips for Perfect Restaurant-Style Result at Home
If you want your dish to reach restaurant-level excellence, consider these tips:
- Lightly sauté paneer cubes before adding them to prevent breakage
- For richer gravy, use cashew paste along with tomatoes
- Cook the spices properly until oil releases for deeper flavor
- Don’t overcook peas — they should remain bright and fresh
- Add cream at the end to keep the texture smooth
By following these, you’ll learn how to cook matar paneer like a pro.
FAQs
Q1: What is matar paneer?
It is a traditional North Indian curry made with paneer cubes and green peas simmered in a flavorful tomato-onion gravy.
Q2: How to make matar paneer?
Cook onions, tomatoes, spices, peas, and paneer together to create a mildly spiced curry that is both comforting and delicious.
Q3: How to cook matar paneer so paneer stays soft?
Add paneer at the end and avoid overcooking. You can also soak paneer in warm water before use.
Q4: How to make a matar paneer richer?
Use fresh cream, cashew paste, or full-cream milk for a more luxurious texture.
Q5: How to make matar paneer recipe taste closer to restaurant style?
Use whole spices for aroma, sauté pastes well, and cook slowly so flavors develop fully.