Mutter Paneer - Peas and Indian Cottage Cheese with creamy tomato sauce

Mutter Paneer

Mutter Paneer is a popular North Indian Dish. Its a delicious preparation made with Mutter(peas) and Paneer(Indian cottage cheese) in a creamy tomato/onion sauce. I do add fresh cream to this dish which is optional. Also many prefer to fry the Paneer cubes before adding to the gravy/sauce. This depends on you as well. I do not fry it anymore and I find that it does not make a big difference to the dish flavor-wise but it does give the paneer cubes a beautiful golden color.

Ingredients:

• 225 gms / 1/2 lb Paneer (Cottage cheese) cubed
• 225 gms / 1/2 lb  frozen Peas
• 1 large red onion pureed
• 2 large tomatoes pureed
• 4-5 cloves garlic and 1" ginger -minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste(optional)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 black cardamom
• 1tsp- 2tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp cumin-coriander powder
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup cream
• salt to taste
• Oil

Mutter Paneer

Preparation : Heat  oil in a Kadhai/thick bottomed pan. Add the bay leaves and Black cardamom followed by the onion puree. On medium flame saute the onion till its golden brown and add the minced garlic and ginger. Fry for about a minute. Add the tomato puree. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes till it combines well with the onion /garlic. Now add the dry spices-turmeric, red chili powder, cumin-coriander powder. Mix it well. Add the tomato paste. Add a little water for the gravy about 2-3 cups. Bring it to a boil. Add the peas and cubed  paneer. Cover and let it simmer on medium low for about 10 -15 minutes. Now add the cream. Mix it well. Adjust the salt. Take it off the heat. Garnish it with fresh Cilantro. Mutter Paneer is ready to be served. Enjoy it with any Indian bread or Cumin Rice. This recipe serves 4.