Easy Matar Paneer Recipe Dhaba Style at Home

Craving restaurant style North Indian food? Look no further! This Easy Matar Paneer Recipe Dhaba Style brings the bold and spicy flavors of Indian roadside eateries straight to your kitchen. Rich in taste, simple to make, and packed with protein from paneer and green peas, this dish is a perfect companion for both chapati and steamed rice.

Let’s dive into how you can recreate this classic Punjabi curry at home without any fancy ingredients.

Ingredients You Need

Here’s a simple list of ingredients for a perfect dhaba style matar paneer:

For the Curry:

• 200 grams paneer (cottage cheese) cubed

• 1 cup green peas (matar) fresh or frozen

• 2 medium onions finely chopped

• 2 medium tomatoes pureed or finely chopped

• 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste

• 2 to 3 tbsp oil or ghee

• 1 tbsp butter optional for richness

• 12 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)

• 1 to 2 green chilies slit optional

Spices:

• 12 tsp turmeric powder (haldi)

• 1 tsp red chili powder

• 1 tsp coriander powder (dhania)

• 12 tsp garam masala

• Salt to taste

• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

How to Make Matar Paneer Dhaba Style

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
Stir in ginger garlic paste and cook for a minute till the raw smell goes away.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Spices

Add tomato puree or chopped tomatoes.
Cook until the oil starts separating from the masala.
Now add turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well.

Step 3: Add Peas and Cook

Add the green peas and about half cup water.
Cover and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the peas are soft.

Step 4: Add Paneer Cubes

Gently add the paneer cubes to the gravy.
Let it simmer for another 4 to 5 minutes. Do not over stir or the paneer may crumble.

Step 5: Final Touch

Add a small spoon of butter and sprinkle garam masala on top.
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Serving Suggestions

This flavorful Matar Paneer pairs beautifully with:

• Tandoori roti

• Jeera rice

• Butter naan

• Plain basmati rice

Serve hot with a side of onion salad and a squeeze of lemon for that authentic dhaba experience.

Tips for the Best Dhaba Style Matar Paneer

• Use mustard oil or ghee for an authentic flavor.

• Fry the paneer cubes slightly before adding to the curry for a firm texture.

• Add a pinch of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for extra aroma.

• Adjust spice level by controlling the quantity of green chilies and red chili powder.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy Ready in under 30 minutes

• Budget friendly No fancy ingredients required

• High in protein Great vegetarian source of protein

• Perfect for meal prep Tastes even better the next day