Masala Matar Paneer

Matar is peas. You can make paneer at home if you can’t find it using this recipe. The sweetness of the peas and the spiced masala make this a delicious meal.

Ingredients
2 onions, finely chopped
Sunflower oil
1 tsp cumin seeds
3-4 cardamom pods
2 bay leaves
2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 thumb ginger, finely chopped
1 tin chopped tomatoes
1 tsp salt
1 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp ground cumin
2 tbsp dried fenugreek leaves (if available)
1 tsp sugar/honey
200g frozen peas (or fresh if available)
250g paneer, chopped
2 tbsp double cream
fresh coriander, chopped (optional)

Method
– Add cumin, cardamom and bay leaves to the hot oil and stir.

– Let it sizzle and then add the onions.

– Cook until golden – about 8 minutes.

– Add the garlic and ginger to the pan and cook for another minute.

– Add tomatoes and stir through.

– Cover and cook for about 10 minutes on medium heat until softened up and the flavours are coming together.

– Add the spice powders and mix well.

– Add the fenugreek leaves and stir in.

– Add the sugar and cook for another minute.

– Add 200ml water and then peas and paneer and stir through.

– If the paneer isn’t available, you can make it at home or use potatoes or carrots instead.

– Add the cream and mix in.

Serve with lachha paratha and some fresh coriander.