Instant Pot Matar Paneer Recipe (2024)

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Matar Paneer is a delicious vegetarian Indian curry. I am sharing a Punjabi-style matar paneer recipe that gets ready in an instant pot in less than 30 minutes. Be sure to watch the video!

For the nation obsessed with cottage cheese, matar paneer is one of the most loved curries.

It is a delicious, one-pot, gluten-free, vegetarian curry perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. As the name suggests, matar paneer has cubes of soft Indian cottage cheese (paneer), green peas (matar) cooked in an onion and tomato masala sauce.

Every family has its take on Matar Paneer Recipe. This Punjabi-style matar paneer is way different from my Dhaba-style matar paneer recipe. Similarly, each family has its signature style to make this special paneer curry.

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Instant Pot Method

You can cook matar paneer in an instant pot, electric pressure cooker, multi-pot, or a stovetop pressure cooker.

I have always seen my mother cook a curry-like matar paneer in a traditional stovetop pressure cooker.

One reason to use the instant pot for cooking this paneer curry is that it is quick and even cooking. Second, the gravy, peas, and paneer all get synced beautifully within a few minutes of pressure cooking.

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Between the traditional stovetop pressure cooker and instant pot, I always prefer using the instant pot for cooking matar paneer because the entire cooking process takes 20 minutes only.

The sauteeing takes 15 minutes, and the pressure cook time is 5 minutes. You can do a QR or NR of the steam once the cooking time is over.

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Ingredients Required

Paneer: For a vegan matar paneer use firm tofu.

Green Peas: Either fresh or frozen green peas are perfect for making matar paneer. If using frozen peas, thaw them before adding them to the curry.

Curry Paste A: Onion, Ginger, Garlic

Curry Paste B: Tomato, Kashmiri Red Chilies

Whole Spices: Cumin, Bay Leaf, Kasuri Methi

Spice Powder: Red Chili Powder, Turmeric, Coriander Powder, Garam Masala

Oil: Use either mustard oil, ghee, or flavorless vegetable oil.

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My Tried & True Tips

Use red, ripe, and fleshy tomatoes for making the gravy masala. Or you can also use canned crushed tomatoes or puree.

Soak paneer in the lukewarm water for 5 minutes before adding the gravy. This step helps in softening the texture of the paneer.

Instead of regular red chili powder, use Kashmiri red chili powder to achieve the restaurant-style gorgeous color of the gravy.

Mustard oil or ghee is ideal for making a rich curry. For example, I have used mustard oil in this matar paneer recipe.

Frying paneer for the gravy is optional. Many people like fried cottage cheese cubes in their sauce, but I prefer just the opposite. And I think fried paneer does not contribute to the taste or texture of the curry.

To make vegan matar paneer curry, use tofu instead of paneer. Adding tofu does not alter the taste or texture of the curry.

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Serving Suggestion

For me, the crowning glory of matar paneer is the spicy, finger-licking good gravy. I could happily enjoy it for lunch and dinner, along with:

Naan or chapati

Whole Wheat Paratha

Plain Poori or Palak Poori

Jeera Rice or plain basmati rice

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More Indian Paneer Recipes

Restaurant Style Kadhai Paneer

Paneer Kofta Curry

Paneer Kali Mirch

Paneer Makhani

Paneer Jalfrezi

Chilli Paneer

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Instant Pot Matar Paneer Recipe (8)Pin

Instant Pot Matar Paneer Recipe

I am sharing a Punjabi-style matar paneer recipe that gets ready in an instant pot in less than 30 minutes.

5 from 6 votes

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 280kcal

Author: Hina Gujral

  • Instant Pot

Ingredients

  • 200 gram paneer (cottage cheese), cut into cubes
  • 1 ¼ Cup green peas (fresh or frozen) (see how to freeze peas)
  • Cup mustard oil or ghee
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
  • 1 whole bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1 ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dry fenugreek leaves)
  • 1 teaspoon Garam Masala (see recipe)
  • 1 Cup water

Ingredients For Curry Paste A

  • 1 Cup red onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, chopped

Ingredients For Curry Paste B

  • 1 ¼ Cup tomato, diced
  • 2 Kashmiri red chilies
  • 1 tablespoon fresh coriander leaves, chopped

Instructions

  • Make Curry Paste A – Blend onion, garlic, and ginger to a smooth consistency. Transfer to a bowl. Set aside.

  • Make Curry Paste B – Blend tomato and dried red chili to a smooth consistency. Transfer to a bowl. Set aside.

  • Set the SAUTE mode of the instant pot for 15 minutes. Add oil to the inner pot.

  • Once the oil is smoking hot, it takes less than 1 minute, add cumin seeds and bay leaf followed by Curry Paste A prepared earlier.

  • Saute the paste for 2 minutes or till it turns light brown. Keep stirring while sauteeing the masala.

  • Next, add Curry Paste B, turmeric, coriander powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Stir to combine. Saute for 5 minutes or until oil starts to separate from the masala paste.

  • Add the peas, paneer, and water. Stir to combine. Seal the instant pot with a lid.

  • Select the pressure cook mode. Set timer for 5 minutes. Set the steam valve to the SEALING position.

  • After 5 minutes you can either release the pressure manually or wait for natural release.

  • Once the steam is released open the lid of the pot. Add Kasuri methi, garam masala, and fresh coriander leaves. Stir to mix.

  • Serve Matar Paneer warm with naan, paratha, or jeera rice.

Recipe Notes:

  • Use red, ripe, and fleshy tomatoes for making the gravy masala. You can also use canned crushed tomatoes.
  • Soak paneer in the lukewarm water for 5 – 10 minutes before adding to the gravy. This step helps in softening the texture of the paneer.
  • Frying paneer for the gravy is totally optional. May people like fried cubes of cottage cheese in their gravy but I prefer just the opposite.
  • To make vegan mutter paneer, use tofu instead of paneer. And you have a delicious vegan curry ready in a few minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 759mg | Potassium: 335mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 927IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 284mg | Iron: 2mg

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Instant Pot Matar Paneer Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is Mutter Paneer the same as matar paneer? ›

Mattar paneer (Hindi: मटर पनीर), also known as matar paneer, muttar paneer, and mutter paneer, is a modern restaurant-style and vegetarian punjabi dish consisting of peas and paneer in a tomato-based sauce, spiced with garam masala.

Why is my homemade paneer hard? ›

Similarly adding too much of lemon juice or vinegar will make the paneer harder & grainier. So begin by adding only a little and add more as needed until it curdles. Once the milk curdles completely, turn off the stove and avoid cooking further to prevent the paneer from turning hard.

How many calories are in 1 bowl of matar paneer? ›

Matar Paneer recipes makes 800 grams, serves 6 with 130 grams per serving. 232 calories for 1 serving of Matar Paneer, Cholesterol 0 mg, Carbohydrates 10.6g, Protein 7.3g, Fat 17.7g.

How long should paneer be cooked? ›

On a low flame cook covered just for 1 to 3 minutes. Cooking for longer can make the paneer harder. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons cream and stir. You should get this thick creamy texture as you see in the picture below.

Should I fry paneer before adding to curry? ›

How do you add paneer to a curry sauce? Prepare the sauce and then add the fried paneer to the bubbling hot curry. Although fried until crisp, it is best to add the paneer fry to a sauce just before serving. It will then retain its shape and become soft and delicious in the center.

What do we call matar paneer in English? ›

Matar Paneer is a popular North Indian dish of Indian cottage cheese aka Paneer and peas cooked in a spicy and flavorsome curry. Matar Paneer translates to peas paneer where 'Matar' is the Hindi word for 'peas' and 'paneer' for “Indian cheese”.

How much paneer is required for 20 persons? ›

What quantity of shahi paneer should be taken for 20 people? For Paneer Curries like Shahi Paneer / Paneer Pasanda etc., around 100 grams Paneer per person would be sufficient.

Is matar paneer good for health? ›

Health Benefits: Matar paneer is known for its health benefits. Green peas are a rich source of fiber, which can aid in digestion and help regulate blood sugar levels. In addition, paneer is a good source of protein and calcium, essential for building and repairing muscles and bones.

Which vinegar is used for making paneer? ›

Add about 2 to 3 teaspoons of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar in 1 litre milk. With vinegar the milk curdles faster and quicker. Curd or yogurt: Fresh curd will give you more softer and moist paneer. You could add about 3 to 4 tablespoons of fresh curd or yogurt when making paneer recipe with 1 litre milk.

Why does paneer become rubbery? ›

Over cooking paneer, that too in high temperature, may affect the fat molecules in paneer, resulting in its tough and chewy texture. Hence, it is always suggested to cook paneer on medium heat, until it holds the shape.

What is the English of paneer? ›

Although many Indians translate "paneer" into "cottage cheese", cottage cheese is made using rennet extracted from the stomach of ruminants, and cow's skim milk. Queso blanco or queso fresco are often recommended as substitutes in the Americas and Spain as they are more commercially available in many American markets.

Is Mutter paneer good for diabetes? ›

Benefits of cottage cheese for people with diabetes

People with diabetes can indulge in matar panner in moderation. To include matar paneer in your diabetes diet plan, it is better to limit the usage of ghee and refined oil in the preparation.

How many calories are in 2 eggs? ›

How Many Calories in Two Eggs? An average serving size of two eggs contains only 148 calories or 620 kilojoules – roughly the same as two apples.

How many grams of paneer should I eat to lose weight? ›

It is recommended to consume 100-200 grams of paneer per day to reap its benefits without consuming excess calories. It is also important to choose low-fat or skimmed milk paneer to avoid the intake of excess fat.

Why soak paneer in water? ›

Boiling: Soaking the paneer in cool water after boiling keeps it soft during cooking. Otherwise, it will turn hard and rubbery. Pan frying: Keep in mind that pan frying will add an additional amount of fat and calories.

Is there any point in marinating paneer? ›

Marinating the paneer prior to cooking, helps the paneer absorb salt and other flavors. Using oil in the marinade acts as a second layer of protection against sticking on the grill.

Why paneer is dipped in brine solution? ›

Paneer dipped in 5% brine solution lasts for about 22 days at 8-10 C. The salting at the time of dipping into chilled water can be used in extending the shelf life of paneer. Dipping in benzoic acid (1200 ppm) increases the shelf life of paneer to 40 days at refrigerated temperature and 20 days at 37 C.

How to keep paneer soft after frying in water? ›

All you need to do is add salt in a bowl filled with warm water and then add the fried paneer chunks. Wait for 7-8 minutes and it's done! Most of the restaurants, cafes and dhabas follow the same technique to make their paneer soft.

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