Name: Matar Paneer
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
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

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Matar Paneer

Recipe by Ashlee Redger, Savory Spice Test Kitchen

Global Cuisines

DIY Takeout

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

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Serves 4 to 6 servings

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cooking Time 20 minutes

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Ingredients

For paneer: 2 quarts whole milk ¼ cups distilled white vinegar For curry: 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil, divided 2 Tbsp. Tandoori Seasoning 1 (14 oz.) can crushed tomatoes 1 Tbsp. honey 1 cups frozen peas ½ cups plain yogurt Kosher salt, to taste

Tandoori Masala Seasoning (Salt-Free)

Directions

Step 1 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.

Step 2 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.

Step 3 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.

Step 4 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.

Step 5 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.

Step 6 Stir in peas, yogurt, and paneer. Heat just until everything is warmed through, about 2 min. Season with salt to taste and serve hot.

Recipe Notes

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