Matar paneer is a gluten-free, kid-friendly Indian curry made with peas and paneer. If you are looking for easy 30-minute meal ideas then matar paneer is one of the simple paneer recipes for lunch or dinner. Check out how to make matar paneer in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop.
Turn the instant pot on "saute" mode on normal setting
Once the instant pot is hot, add oil.
Once oil is hot, add onions and saute until translucent.
Add ginger garlic paste and continue to saute for a few seconds
Add tomatoes, cashews and spices - turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder and cumin powder and saute it.
Add ¼ cup water and deglaze the bottom of the pot with a spatula.
Cancel saute mode, close the lid and turn the pressure cook mode or manual mode on high setting for 5 minutes with 'release valve' in sealing position.
Once done, perform a quick release by moving the valve in venting position until the silver pin drops.
Blend using a hand blender into a smooth paste.
Add remaining water, salt and garam masala and mix it well.
Turn the saute mode on and add the cubed paneer, defrosted frozen peas and crushed kasuri methi.
Mix gently and allow to simmer for 5 minutes.
Turn the saute mode off.
Optionally garnish with chopped cilantro while serving.
Matar paneer on the stovetop
In a blender or Vitamix jar, blend tomato, onion, ginger, garlic, and soaked cashews into a smooth puree.
Heat a saucepan on medium flame.
Once the saucepan is hot, add oil.
Add the blended puree and mix well.
Add the powdered spices - turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder, and stir well.
Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes until the liquid evaporates and the mixture starts losing oil and is well cooked.
Add the green peas and mix them well.
Allow the curry to simmer for 5 minutes on saute mode until desired consistency.
Add paneer and mix well. Turn the flame off.
Notes
If you do not have paneer or if you are looking for a vegan substitute, you can use extra firm tofu.
This curry is mild in spiciness, if you like it spicier, you can add some serrano pepper along with onion and tomato.