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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Matar Paneer

Matar paneer is a North Indian vegetarian curry made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and green peas in a spiced gravy, usually based on tomatoes and onions.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Matar paneer is a North Indian vegetarian curry made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and green peas in a spiced gravy, usually based on tomatoes and onions. It is commonly served with naan, roti, poori, or rice. Variations may include cashews, cream, yogurt, or kasuri methi for added richness or flavour.

Origin and cuisine

Matar paneer is widely identified as a North Indian dish and is especially associated with Punjabi home-style cooking and restaurant menus.

Ingredients and preparation

Typical recipes use paneer and peas cooked in a tomato-onion masala, sometimes enriched with cashews or cream. The sauce is often sautéed, blended, then simmered with the vegetables and paneer.

Serving

Matar paneer is commonly served hot with naan, roti, poori, or plain rice, making it a standard vegetarian main dish in Indian meals.

Variations

Recipes vary by household and restaurant style. Some are richer and creamier, while others are lighter or spicier, but all centre on paneer and peas in a seasoned gravy.

Key facts

  • Matar paneer combines paneer and green peas in a savoury spiced gravy.
  • The gravy is commonly made from tomatoes and onions, often blended into a smooth masala paste.
  • Many recipes add spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and chilli.
  • Some versions include cashews, cream, yogurt, or kasuri methi to deepen the flavour.
  • It is usually eaten with Indian flatbreads or rice.
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Canadian context

Matar paneer is commonly found in Indian restaurants and home cooking across Canada, reflecting the country’s large South Asian and vegetarian food cultures.

Frequently asked questions

What is matar paneer?
A North Indian curry made with paneer and green peas in a spiced gravy, usually tomato-based.
Is matar paneer vegetarian?
Yes. It is a vegetarian dish because it uses paneer and peas rather than meat.
What does matar mean?
Matar is Hindi for green peas.
What is paneer?
Paneer is Indian cottage cheese, a fresh cheese commonly used in South Asian cooking.
What is matar paneer usually served with?
It is commonly served with roti, naan, poori, or rice.

References

  1. Cook With Manali — https://www.cookwithmanali.com/matar-paneer/
    Supports: Typical ingredients and method, including paneer, green peas, onion-tomato gravy, cashews, cream, and serving suggestions.
  2. Hebbar's Kitchen — https://hebbarskitchen.com/matar-paneer-recipe-mutter-dhaba-style/
    Supports: Describes matar paneer as a popular North Indian paneer-and-pea curry served with naan, roti, poori, and rice.
  3. Veg Recipes of India — https://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/matar-paneer/
    Supports: Provides ingredients, preparation method, and notes on serving and variations, including spices and paneer handling.
  4. Tea for Turmeric — https://www.teaforturmeric.com/matar-paneer/
    Supports: Details a restaurant-style version, common spices, and the use of cream or sugar in some variations.
  5. My Food Story — https://myfoodstory.com/creamy-matar-paneer-curry-recipe/
    Supports: Shows a creamy variation with yogurt, peas, paneer, and finishing spices such as garam masala and kasuri methi.