Filipino-Style Cheesy Pea Stew

Ingredients

In this Filipino-American adaptation of the traditional Indian dish, Mattar Paneer, we incorporate Filipino flavors and ingredients to create a unique fusion. We replace some of the traditional Indian spices with Filipino spices like garlic and onions. Additionally, we use coconut milk to add a creamy and slightly sweet flavor to the stew, giving it a distinct Filipino twist. We alse have the original recipe for Mattar paneer, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) peas 2 cups (400g) peas
• 1 cup (200g) paneer, cubed 1 cup (200g) paneer, cubed
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste Pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 14g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 8g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the pan. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the turmeric powder, cumin powder, and paprika to the pan. Stir well to coat the onions and spices evenly.
4. 4.
   Add the peas and paneer cubes to the pan. Stir gently to combine with the spices and onions.
5. 5.
   Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the peas are tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. 7.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Paneer — To enhance the flavor and texture of paneer, you can lightly pan-fry the cubes before adding them to the stew. This will give them a slightly crispy exterior while keeping them soft and creamy on the inside.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the stew.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend a portion of the stew before adding the peas and paneer.
• Serve the stew with steamed rice or warm bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Feel free to adjust the spices and seasonings according to your taste preferences.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify over time.

Serving advice

Serve the Filipino-Style Cheesy Pea Stew hot over steamed rice or with warm bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro for added freshness and color.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some grated paneer or shredded cheese on top of the stew before serving. You can also add a drizzle of coconut milk and a sprinkle of paprika for an extra pop of color.