Paneer

Mutter Paneer – Art of Cooking

Matter paneer is an Indian dish that has gained enough popularity due to the rich taste associated with it and the soothing nature of the dish. Ethnic Foods… Where peas (matar) and paneer, a type of Indian cheese, are prepared in a currant spiced sauce. This is a traditional Indian dish falling under the Indian cuisine category that most people may think it is confined to India only. In this piece, let’s delve into the innovative history, health aspects, learning how to prepare it and different varieties of matter paneer cuisines.

Geographic Distribution and Cultural Importance

‘Paneer’ is a type of fresh Indian cheese prepared by curdling milk and adding an edible acid like lemon juice/tamarind. It has been present in Indian daily life for ages particularly in the upper part of the country. Green peas also known as Matar are a highly used ingredient as well in Indian dishes provided they are season bound.

Matter paneer occupies an important position in Indian history. Such dishes are often prepared for weddings, festivals and family gatherings showing the rich culture of Indian hospitality. The dish therefore evokes a sense of comfort and indulgence; which explains why it is very popular amongst households.

Nutritional Benefits

Apart from the good taste, add the matter paneer is healthy and has numerous nutritional advantages:

1. Contains Quality Proteins: Paneer helps to furnish protein within the body key for the development and repair of the muscles and hence self. For this, it is good for the vegetarians.

2. Vitamins in Plenty: The dish is rich in Vitamin A, C, and many more B-complex vitamins, which help the immune system, skin and energy production respectively.

3. Minerals: Paneer is a rich source of calcium and phosphorus needed for the bones, and so are the peas which have the iron and magnesium.

4. Lesser Carbs: This preparation can be easily incorporated into low carb adaptation of diets especially when served with cereals or taken by itself without any accompaniment.

Techniques of Cooking 

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1: Preparing Paneer

Do not forget to check the freshness of the pakke paneer if you are using a store-bought paneer. Or if you are feeling creative, one can prepare a simple home-made paneer by boiling milk and adding lemon juice to it, and pouring the mixture into a muslin cloth. The freshly made paneer has a denser composition and carries an intense taste.

2. Selecting Spices

Speaking of ingredients, spices play an important role in Indian cuisine. Some of such spices generally used in cooking matter paneer are 

Cumin seeds: This is used when there is a need for warm and earthly flavor.

Coriander powder: This helps to give a slightly sour taste.

Turmeric: Used mainly for coloring and enhancing health benefits.

Garam masala: These are the spices which add dimension to the dish.

And red chili powder: That provides a certain level of heat and is adjustable according to individual preference.

3. Cooking Method

The classic approach of making matter paneer includes frying spices and aromatics first followed by addition of main ingredients. This is the basic approach made stepwise:

1. Sauté Aromatics: Begin with a pan heating oil or ghee. First cumin seeds and later chopped onions and ginger- garlic paste after which sautéing done till golden brown.

2. Spices: After that spices (coriander powder, turmeric, garam masala, red chili powder) included and for a minute cooked to release their flavors.

3. Tomatoes: After that, pureed or chopped tomatoes are added and cooked until oil comes out of the mixture.

4. Add Peas and Paneer: After that stir in the green peas and cook for few minutes and then add paneer cut in cubed pieces. Mix without breaking the paneer.

5. Creamy Texture: If you wish to make the curry richer in consistency, you may also add cream or yogurt at this point, mixing it in completely.

6. Finishing Touches: Add fresh coriander and enjoy it while it’s hot.

Famous Variants of Matter Paneer

Though the classic matter paneer recipe is cherished, many tweaks have come that suit different palates and dietary needs:

1. Matter Paneer Masala

This version is richer and spicier, with the addition of extra spice and more cooked gravy.

2. Matter Paneer Curry

In its curry avatar, matter paneer uses coconut milk or cream making it rich and thick. This goes preferably with rice or naan.

3. Dry Matter Paneer

In dry matter paneer, minimal gravy is used and the dish is not saucy focusing on the sautéed peas and paneer making it possible to enjoy as a side dish or a starter.

4. Vegan Matter Paneer

To make this vegan omit paneer and use tofu or vegan cheese in place of paneer. The rest of the process is the same therefore it is possible to enjoy the plant based meal without losing the taste.

5. Matter Paneer Pulao

The components of the matter paneer can also be incorporated in rice, to form a tasty pulao. The rice is prepared with the same spices, and peas and paneer are added, to form a one pot dish.

Serving Suggestions

Matter paneer is very flexible for food pairing:

With Roti or Naan: Traditionally, matter paneer is served with whole wheat roti, naan, or parathas.

With Rice: Serve with basmati rice or jeera rice for a complete meal.

Salad and Raita: Serve a fresh salad and yogurt raita to tone down the spices.

Conclusion

There is more to matter paneer than meets the eye; it is more of a culture than a simple dish. Its diverse tastes and ways of cooking it are the reasons the dish is well known and loved in Indian and other continents’ cuisines. Not only whether you are an expert in the kitchen or a novice, there are ways to master making matter paneer that will surely leave your family and friends in awe. Try this and that, and play around with this dish, so that it is not so generic and uptight. Like it gives warmth and comfort when served on the table.