Mutter Paneer Recipe

Prepare peas

If using fresh peas, bring 500 ml water to a boil with 1/2 tsp salt. Add peas and blanch 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately plunge into cold water to retain color. If using frozen peas, thaw or blanch briefly and drain.

Prepare paneer

If paneer is store-bought and firm, soak cubes in warm water for 10 minutes to soften (optional). Pat dry before adding to gravy. If you prefer lightly fried paneer, heat 1 tbs oil in a nonstick pan and shallow-fry cubes until edges are golden (about 2 minutes each side); drain on paper towel. Set aside.

Heat 3 tbs oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. When hot, add 1 tsp cumin seeds and 1 bay leaf. Let cumin sputter (10–15 seconds) and bay leaf release aroma.

Add 1 cup finely chopped onion. Sauté on medium heat until translucent and beginning to brown at the edges, about 6–8 minutes.

Add 1 tbs ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 1–2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.

Add 1 cup chopped or pureed tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the raw tomato smell is gone and oil begins to separate from the masala, about 8–10 minutes.

Reduce heat to low and add spices: 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp coriander powder, 1/2 tsp red chilli powder, and 1 tsp salt. Cook 1–2 minutes to roast the spices.

If the masala looks too thick or sticking, add 2–3 tbs water to deglaze and continue cooking until a smooth, thick gravy forms.

Add the blanched peas to the tomato-onion masala and mix well. Cook 2–3 minutes so peas absorb flavors.

Pour 150 ml water or milk to reach desired gravy consistency. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Add the paneer cubes gently into the simmering gravy. Stir carefully to avoid breaking the cubes. Simmer for 3–4 minutes so paneer warms through and soaks up the gravy. If you pan-fried paneer earlier, simmer only 2 minutes to avoid toughening.

Stir in 1/2 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp crushed kasuri methi, and 1/4 tsp sugar or jaggery (if using). Adjust salt to taste. Add 1 tbs butter for extra richness (optional).

Turn off heat and finish with 2 tbs chopped fresh cilantro and 1 tsp lemon juice if desired. Let sit covered 2 minutes before serving so flavors meld.