Mutter Paneer

mutter_paneer

Mutter Paneer is a popular vegetarian dish in Pakistan, made with a blend of spices, peas, and paneer, a type of Indian cottage cheese. The dish is usually served with hot naan or chapati bread and is a classic North Indian and Pakistani delight.

The dish is relatively simple to cook, and its popularity has made it a staple on vegetarian menus across the country. It is a perfect dish to serve for both day-to-day dinners and special occasions. The combination of peas and paneer in a rich tomato gravy makes this dish absolutely addictive and irresistible. The dish offers a balanced mix of flavors, including a hint of spiciness, combined with the sweetness from peas and the creamy texture of paneer.

The history of Mutter Paneer dates back to the Mughal era. The Mughals were famous for their love of food, and Indian Palaces were famous for their mouth-watering cuisine. This flavorful and wholesome vegetarian dish has passed on over generations and has become a staple at most dining tables.

The recipe for Mutter Paneer varies from region to region in Pakistan, and each family has its own unique take on the dish. The basic ingredients include paneer, fresh peas, onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and a blend of spices. The dish becomes more flavorful with the use of freshly ground spices like cumin powder, coriander powder, and garam masala.

To prepare the dish, the paneer is first fried until it is golden brown, giving it a crispy texture. Once the paneer is ready, onion, ginger, and garlic are sautéed until they turn golden brown. Then, the tomato puree is added along with spices like turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. The peas are then added and allowed to cook until they turn a bright green color. Finally, the fried paneer is added to the tomato gravy, and the dish is allowed to simmer for a few minutes, giving it a chance to absorb all the flavors.

Mutter Paneer can be served with steaming hot basmati rice, or with some freshly made chapati or naan. To add a bit of extra taste and texture, garnish the dish with fresh coriander leaves or a drizzle of cream.

In conclusion, Mutter Paneer is a delicious and wholesome vegetarian dish that has stood the test of time. It is a perfect meal that is easy to make, and can be prepared with the ingredients available in every home. The combination of protein-rich paneer and healthy peas in a rich tomato gravy makes this dish an unbeatable crowd-pleaser. Whether you are a vegetarian or not, Mutter Paneer is an absolute must-try for anybody who loves flavorful and hearty meals.

Ingredients:

-1 cup paneer (cottage cheese), cubed -1 cup green peas (mutter) -2 tomatoes, chopped -1 onion, chopped -1 tsp cumin seeds -1 tsp ginger paste -1 tsp garlic paste -1 tsp coriander powder -1 tsp cumin powder -1/2 tsp turmeric powder -1/2 tsp red chili powder -1/2 tsp garam masala powder -2 tbsp oil -Salt to taste -Water as needed -Cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds.
  2. Once the cumin seeds start to crackle, add ginger paste and garlic paste.
  3. Add chopped onions and sauté till they turn golden brown.
  4. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook till they turn soft and mushy.
  5. Add coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala powder. Mix well and cook for a minute or two.
  6. Add the green peas and paneer cubes, and salt to taste. Mix well and add a little water if needed.
  7. Bring the mixture to a boil and then lower the heat. Cover the pan and allow it to simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  8. Once the green peas are cooked, check the seasoning and adjust if needed. Remove from heat.
  9. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or roti.