Matar- Paneer (without onion & garlic) | Green Peas-Cottage cheese curry

Mattar(Green peas)-Paneer (Indian Cottage cheese) curry is an authentic and traditional curry of North India, especially served with chapathis.We love this combination very much, but this is the first time I tried a dish without onion and garlic.The recipe is adapted from here, it's quite easy and delicious.The curry is also thick and creamy.So, Try & enjoy !!!

Preparation time ~ 10 minutes

Cooking time ~ 20 minutes

Author ~ Julie

Serves ~ 4-5

Ingredients

green peas 1.5- 2cups (refer notes)
paneer 1/2 lb /200- 250 gms
tomatoes 3 medium chopped
ginger 1 tbsp
coriander powder 1 tbsp
turmeric powder 1/4 tsp
chilli powder 3/4 tsp
corn starch 1tbsp
sugar 1/2 tsp
cinnamon 1"strand
bay leaves 2
cumin seeds 1 tsp
oil 3tbsp
salt to taste

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Method
-Cut the paneer in cubes and heat oil in a pan, add the paneer pieces.Fry till evenly slight browned.Remove on a paper towel.
-Mix the corn starch in 3 tbsp of water and mix well without lumps.
-Blend the tomatoes and ginger to a smooth paste.
-Heat the same oil in the pan and add cumin seeds, let it crackle.
-Add the bay leaves, asafoetida and cinnamon strand.Fry for a few seconds.
-Add the tomato paste, coriander powder, chilli powder, turmeric powder and let the mixture cook until it reduces to half.
-Now add the green peas and 1/4 cup of water.Cook on medium heat until the peas becomes tender and add salt, paneer pieces.
-Add the cornstarch mix to thicken the gravy and let it cook for 2–3 minutes until thick and creamy.Add the sugar and mix.
-Serve warm with chapathis !!

Servings~ 2–3 adults


NOTES
* I used the frozen packet of peas, you can use fresh or frozen.If you are using frozen, thaw before you cook.
* You can even add dried fenugreek leaves to the curry for added flavour.
* You can omit corn starch if you don't like the consistency.