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Test Kitchen Approved

Matar Paneer

Matar Paneer

Matar Paneer

Recipe By Ashlee Redger, Savory Spice Test Kitchen

Yields

4 to 6 servings

Prep Time

30 Minutes

Cooking Time

20 Minutes

Recipe By Ashlee Redger, Savory Spice Test Kitchen

Freshly made paneer cheese and sweet peas add delicious textural and flavor contrasts to a rich curry sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with basmati rice, naan, and chopped cilantro.

Recipe Notes

This paneer recipe yields about 2 cups of cubed paneer (about 12 oz.). For a time-saver, use premade paneer.

Ingredients

For paneer:

2 quarts whole milk

¼ cups distilled white vinegar

For curry:

3 Tbsp. vegetable oil, divided


1 (14 oz.) can crushed tomatoes

1 Tbsp. honey

1 cups frozen peas

½ cups plain yogurt

Kosher salt, to taste

Savory Spice ingredients in this recipe

  • Tandoori Seasoning

    Tandoori Seasoning is a salt-free curry-style spice blend that's inspired by the seasonings & flavors of tandoori chicken, a classic South Asia...

    View full details

Directions

For paneer: In a medium pot over medium-high heat, bring milk to a boil, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in vinegar. Cover and let sit for 10 min. Milk should be separated, with watery yellow whey and solid white grains. Strain mixture slowly through a colander lined with a clean kitchen towel or doubled over cheesecloth. Rinse thoroughly with cold water. Gather corners of the cloth and twist to close. Squeeze paneer to remove excess liquid. Gently form cloth-enclosed cheese into a thick disk and move to a large plate. Top with another plate and a heavy item to create a press. Place the cheese-and-press setup in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Unwrap cheese and cut into 1-inch cubes. Chill until ready to use.
 

For curry: Heat 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed paneer and sear on both sides, about 1 min. per side. Remove paneer and place on a plate lined with a paper towel. Add remaining 1 Tbsp. oil and Tandoori Seasoning to skillet. Toast, stirring constantly, for about 20 seconds, or until aromatic (be careful not to burn the spice). Add tomatoes and honey and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 min. Stir in peas, yogurt, and paneer. Heat just until everything is warmed through, about 2 min. Season with salt to taste and serve hot.