10 minutes Cashew Matar Paneer
If you’re craving a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s quick and easy to make, Cashew Matar Paneer is the perfect choice. This restaurant-style Kaju Paneer Butter Masala is ideal for a busy weekday lunch or even a special dinner. With a minimal set of ingredients, you can create a dish that’s indulgent yet simple enough to whip up in just 10 minutes.
Paneer, an Indian cheese, is the star ingredient of this dish, and when paired with green peas (matar) and a creamy cashew-based gravy, it creates an unforgettable combination. This easy-to-make cashew matar paneer is perfect for serving with naan, roti, or even steamed rice. Let’s dive into the recipe and see how you can make this indulgent dish in just a few steps!
What Makes Cashew Matar Paneer So Special?
Cashew Matar Paneer is a delectable combination of soft, melt-in-your-mouth paneer and the subtle sweetness of green peas, all enveloped in a rich, creamy cashew gravy. The cashews provide a luxurious texture and depth of flavour to the curry, making it a treat for anyone who loves Indian cuisine. The dish is also customizable and can be made spicy or mild depending on your preference.
The best part? This recipe is incredibly easy to make. You don’t need hours in the kitchen, just a few simple steps to create a dish that tastes like it’s come straight from a restaurant. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or packing a lunchbox, Kaju Matar Paneer is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients for Cashew Matar Paneer
This simple recipe requires just a few basic ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
Paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese) – 1 cup (crumbled or cubed)
Green Peas – 1/4 cup (fresh or frozen)
Garlic – 3 cloves
Ginger – 1/2 inch piece
Cashews – 10 to 12 pieces (soaked for a few minutes)
Onion – 1/2, roughly chopped
Green Chilli – 1 (adjust based on spice preference)
Water – 1/2 cup (for blending the paste)
Ghee – 1 tablespoon (for cooking)
Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) – 1 tablespoon
Garam Masala Powder – 1/2 teaspoon
Salt – as required for seasoning
This recipe serves 2 people, but you can easily adjust the quantity based on the number of servings you need.
Step-by-Step Cashew Matar Paneer Recipe
Follow these simple steps to create a creamy, flavorful Cashew Matar Paneer in just 10 minutes.
Step 1: Cook the Green Peas
Start by heating water in a pan and adding the green peas. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes until they become tender. If you’re using frozen peas, this step will be quicker. Once cooked, drain the water and set the peas aside. These cooked peas will add a slight sweetness and texture to the curry.
Step 2: Prepare the Cashew Paste
While the peas are cooking, take a small mixer jar and add garlic, ginger, cashews, onion, and green chilli along with 1/2 cup of water. Blend everything into a smooth paste. The cashews will give the paste a creamy consistency, making the gravy luxurious and rich.
Step 3: Cook the Cashew Paste in Ghee
Now, heat the ghee in a saucepan on medium heat. Ghee adds an authentic flavour to the dish, but if you prefer, you can substitute it with oil. Once the ghee is hot, pour in the cashew paste and cook it on low heat. Stir continuously to prevent the paste from sticking to the pan. Cook the mixture until the raw smell of the garlic and onion disappears, and the oil starts to separate from the masala.
Step 4: Add Paneer and Green Peas
Add the crumbled or cubed paneer to the cooked masala paste, along with the previously cooked green peas. Stir everything together gently to combine. The paneer will absorb the flavours of the gravy, while the peas will add a pop of sweetness to the curry.
Step 5: Season the Curry
Now, it’s time to season the curry. Add garam masala powder, kasuri methi, and salt to taste. Kasuri methi, or dried fenugreek leaves, adds a unique flavour that elevates the dish. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 6: Adjust Consistency and Serve
If the curry is too thick for your liking, you can add a little water to adjust the consistency. For a creamier texture, you can also add a splash of cream or milk. Once the curry has reached your desired consistency, switch off the heat.
Serve your Cashew Matar Paneer hot with a drizzle of chili tadka (tempering) on top for an extra kick of flavor. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves if desired.
Tips for Perfect Cashew Matar Paneer
Paneer Preparation: If you prefer a smoother texture, crumbling the paneer works well. However, for a more traditional look, you can dice the paneer into cubes.
Adjust Spice Levels: If you like your curry spicy, feel free to add more green chillies or a pinch of chilli powder. If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the green chillies or skip them altogether.
Customise with Veggies: You can also add other vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers, to the curry for added nutrition and variety.
Tempering Option: For a more complex flavour, you can temper cumin seeds in ghee before adding the cashew paste. This step is optional, but it adds an extra layer of flavour to the curry.
Nutritional Information for Cashew Matar Paneer
Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one serving of Cashew Matar Paneer (based on the ingredients above):
Calories: 221 kcal
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 629mg
Potassium: 602mg
Fibre: 3g
Sugar: 7g
Vitamin A: 947 IU
Vitamin C: 18mg
Calcium: 64mg
Iron: 4mg
This dish is not only rich in flavor but also provides a good balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a nutritious addition to your meal plan.
Why You’ll Love This Cashew Matar Paneer Recipe
This quick and easy Cashew Matar Paneer recipe is the ultimate solution for anyone craving a rich and creamy Indian curry but lacking the time to cook. The cashew paste forms a luscious gravy that pairs perfectly with paneer and green peas, making it an indulgent yet healthy meal. Whether you’re packing a lunchbox or preparing a family dinner, this dish is sure to become a regular in your cooking rotation.
Enjoy the creamy richness of this dish with a simple preparation that doesn’t compromise on flavour. With minimal effort, you can create an authentic Indian curry that tastes just like what you’d find at your favourite restaurant.