Paneer Mutter Curry with Freshly Ground Spices
Soft cubes of paneer simmered in a fragrant tomato and green pea curry, enriched with Punjabi spice blends. This indian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs grams paneer, cubed, green peas (fresh or frozen), medium (200 grams) tomatoes, pureed for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, 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 paneer, cubed
- 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 medium (150 grams) onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium (200 grams) tomatoes, pureed
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- 1 tsp garlic paste
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tbsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ginger paste and 1 tsp garlic paste, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Step 4: Add 2 medium pureed tomatoes along with 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1 tbsp coriander powder, and 1 tsp salt. Cook on medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes until the oil separates from the masala.
- Step 5: Pour in 1 cup water and bring to a gentle boil. Add 1 cup green peas and simmer for 5 minutes until peas are tender.
- Step 6: Gently fold in 250 grams cubed paneer and 1 tsp garam masala, cooking for 5 more minutes so the paneer absorbs the flavors.
- Step 7: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot with naan or rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Paneer Mutter Curry with Freshly Ground Spices 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 Paneer Mutter Curry with Freshly Ground Spices?
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 paneer, cubed from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Paneer Mutter Curry with Freshly Ground Spices?
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 Paneer Mutter Curry with Freshly Ground Spices for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Paneer Mutter Curry with Freshly Ground Spices 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.
