The Wonderful Pea

Matar Paneer

I had this for the first time last fall, a friend made it and it was ok. I had never had it and did not know what to expect or what to think, now that I look back I am sure it was a good recipe. A few weeks ago I saw Nigella Lawson making this on her TV show and all of a sudden it sounded so yummy so I had to make it.

This is the first time that I have ever tried to make matar paneer so I read through Mahanandi and Nigella Lawson's and came up with my own combo and I think it turned out very nice for my first try, maybe add a little more spice next time and some liquid.

1/4 cup vegetable oil
8 oz paneer, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 small white onion, finely chopped
4 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
1 t. ginger, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon garam masala
1/2 t cumin
10 oz bag frozen peas
salt
1/3 cup water


Heat the oil a large skillet and add the paneer cubes, in 2 batches, and fry until they are golden. Remove the golden cubes to a paper towel to soak up any oil.

Pour all but about 2 tablespoons of the oil out of the pan. Add the onion and cook until they are translucent. Add the garlic, ginger, and spices. Stir to combine and cook for one minute, add the tomatoes and cook them down.

stir in the peas and water let the peas defrost a little then add the paneer. stir to combine, cover and simmer for about 5 minutes.

I served this with rice and enjoyed every bit. I also got the kids to eat all the paneer and rice and each had at least one pea.