Matar Paneer is a classic North Indian vegetarian dish that combines paneer (cottage cheese) with green peas in a spiced tomato‑onion gravy. It became popular in royal kitchens and later spread to weddings and festive meals, symbolizing comfort and hospitality.

In Punjab, the gravy is richer with butter, cream, and sometimes khoya, while in Gujarat a sweeter version with a hint of sugar is common. Some South Indian adaptations add coconut milk or curry leaves for a distinct flavor.

At Indian weddings, Matar Paneer is served hot in large copper or stainless steel vessels, accompanied by butter naan, tandoori roti, and jeera rice. It is often garnished with fresh coriander and a drizzle of ghee for extra shine.

Matar Paneer is a favorite for festive occasions like Diwali, Navratri, and wedding receptions because it is rich, vegetarian, and appeals to guests of all ages.

The combination of soft paneer cubes, sweet peas, and a thick, aromatic gravy enriched with khoya and cashew paste creates a luxurious texture that sets it apart from simpler paneer dishes.

Common errors include frying paneer in low‑heat oil (causing it to break), over‑cooking the besan (which can taste bitter), and adding cold yogurt which may curdle. Follow the hot‑oil and room‑temperature yogurt steps to prevent these issues.

Kasuri methi adds an earthy, slightly bitter note that balances the richness, while mustard oil contributes a pungent aroma typical of North Indian wedding dishes. Ghee can be used, but the flavor profile changes.

Yes, you can prepare the gravy a day in advance and refrigerate it. Fry the paneer separately, store it dry, and combine just before reheating. Reheat gently on low heat to keep the paneer soft.

The gravy should be thick, glossy, and slightly oily on the surface. The paneer cubes should be golden‑brown on the outside and soft inside, while peas remain bright green.

When the oil visibly separates from the masala and the gravy coats the back of a spoon, the dish is ready. The peas should be tender and the paneer heated through.

The YouTube channel Anukriti Cooking Recipes specializes in Indian home‑cooking tutorials, focusing on authentic flavors, step‑by‑step guidance, and recreating restaurant‑style dishes for everyday cooks.

Anukriti Cooking Recipes emphasizes detailed technique explanations, such as oil temperature cues and spice grinding tips, and often shares secret tricks (like frying paneer in smoking oil) that are not commonly highlighted on other channels.