If you love your Indian dishes as much as we do, you may want to know more than how to make them.
In this article, we will explore the key comparisons between butter paneer vs matar paneer. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, then keep reading!
Let’s not waste another minute and see how these delicious Indian dishes compare.
1. Matar Paneer Has Peas In It
First and foremost, one major difference between butter paneer vs matar paneer is that matar paneer contains peas. This is obvious from the name of this authentic dish as ‘matar’ or ‘mutter’ means peas.
2. Butter Paneer Is Sweeter Than Matar Paneer
Butter paneer may be sweeter; however, we wouldn’t necessarily label it as a sweet curry. The addition of butter and cream (which is optional) gives the curry a sweet taste. Matar paneer, on the other hand, is slightly bitter due to the addition of the peas.
3. Matar Paneer is Spicier
Let’s take a look at the spices included in both recipes to see how they compare.
| Butter paneer | Matar paneer |
| Garam masala | Garam masala |
| Paprika | Turmeric |
| Cinnamon | Green cardamom |
| Red chili powder | Dried chilies |
| Kasuri methi | Cumin seeds |
From this table alone, it is clear to see that matar paneer contains almost double the spices when compared to a butter paneer recipe. Therefore, this is all the proof you need to make this comparison!
Take a look at our article on matar paneer vs saag paneer for another interesting comparison.
4. Matar paneer contains fewer calories
Yes, this is true! Butter paneer recipes contain butter, or ghee, which quickly increases the calories in this dish. Matar paneer contains neither, so, therefore, it is less calorific.
So is matar paneer deemed healthy? We will answer this question in our trusty faq section further down.
5. Butter paneer is probably the most popular out of the two
This dish is extremely popular all over the globe and one you will always see on any Indian menu. The tangy but mild taste of the rich gravy, paired with the succulent chunks of paneer, makes this dish a firm favorite for both adults and children of all ages.
Speaking of paneer gravy, you might want to take a look at how paneer makhani vs butter paneer compare. To find out more, click the link!
6. How To Make Your Very Own Matar Paneer
All this talk is making us hungry, and we know you’re feeling the same! That’s why we have taken it upon ourselves to show you how to make your very own matar paneer in just a few easy steps. This is one of the easiest curries to make and takes no time at all. Here’s how to do it!
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of oil
- 450g paneer cubes
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 finely chopped onion
- 2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp Kashmiri chili powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 cloves
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 4 green cardamom pods
- 250g frozen peas
- 300g passata
Method
1. Add two tablespoons of oil to the cooking pot, or pan, over medium heat. Once the oil is hot enough, add your cubes of paneer and fry in batches for 2-3 minutes. Once fried, remove from the pan and put aside to cool.
2. It is now time to fry the onions and cumin seeds. You may need to add another tablespoon of oil to the pan to do so. Fry for around 5 minutes before adding the garlic and chili powder.
3. You can now add in the rest of the dried spices, including the green cardamom pods, garam masala, turmeric powder, and cloves. Season well with salt and pepper and continue to stir for 2-3 minutes unless the spices become fragrant before adding the passata.
4. After a further 3-4 minutes, add in the cooked paneer along with the frozen peas. Once cooked through, serve immediately with your choice of rice and bread.
For a better view of how to cook this delicious veggie dish, check out this video.
If we didn’t manage to answer your questions above, the following Butter Paneer vs Matar Paneer FAQ Section might be of help.
7. Is Matar Paneer Healthy?
At around 140 calories per 114g, it is fair to say that matar paneer is generally less calorific than other Indian dishes. Matar paneer is a mix of spices, tomatoes, and peas, which are not very fattening. Therefore, we would agree that matar paneer is healthy. It’s the side dishes that are the bad guys!
8. Who Invented Butter Paneer?
It is thought that butter paneer originated in the 16th century when Afghan and Persian rulers introduced paneer to North India. Paneer became a popular addition to vegetarian dishes due to its creamy taste and energy-boosting properties.
9. What Is Paneer?
Paneer is an acid-set cheese made from curdled milk. It is used in many popular vegetarian Indian dishes and is favored mostly by the citizens of North India.
If you are looking for a vegan alternative, you could try using tofu instead. Alternatively, vegetables such as mushrooms are a great meat substitute due to their meaty texture. Sweet potatoes are also commonly used in many vegan curries.
What is the difference between paneer 65 vs paneer chili? Find out here!
10. How Much Protein Does Matar Paneer Have?
There are around 4g of protein per 100g of this dish which makes matar paneer a great source of protein for vegetarians. Paneer is used in the dish as a meat substitute for chicken, lamb or beef.
11. What Does Butter Paneer Taste Like?
Butter paneer is a creamy dish that has elements of spice and sweetness. Favored for its smooth gravy, it is popular with adults and children of all ages as this dish is milder than other authentic curries. Butter paneer is a firm favorite at special occasions and celebrations and is often served with basmati rice, jeera rice, and a choice of Indian flatbreads.
