Mutter Paneer Simmered in Tomato-Onion Gravy
Soft paneer cubes and green peas cooked gently in a rich and aromatic tomato and onion curry base. This indian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs grams, cubed paneer, fresh or frozen green peas, large, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 250 grams, cubed paneer
- 1 cup, fresh or frozen green peas
- 1 large, finely chopped onion
- 2 medium, pureed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- to taste salt
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish fresh cilantro
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds and let them sputter for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Step 2: Add 1 large finely chopped onion and sauté for 7-8 minutes until golden and translucent.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 teaspoon ginger paste and 1 teaspoon garlic paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 2 medium pureed tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon garam masala, 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder, and salt to taste. Cook the mixture over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until oil separates from the masala.
- Step 5: Add 1 cup fresh or frozen green peas and 250 grams cubed paneer, stirring gently to combine.
- Step 6: Pour 1 cup water and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes until peas are tender and flavors meld.
- Step 7: Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro before serving hot with naan or rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mutter Paneer Simmered in Tomato-Onion Gravy take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Mutter Paneer Simmered in Tomato-Onion Gravy?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep grams, cubed paneer from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mutter Paneer Simmered in Tomato-Onion Gravy?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Mutter Paneer Simmered in Tomato-Onion Gravy for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Mutter Paneer Simmered in Tomato-Onion Gravy vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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