Dairy-Free Matar Paneer

Experience the comforting flavors of traditional Indian cuisine with a modern twist in this Dairy-Free Matar Paneer recipe. Perfect for vegans and those avoiding dairy, this dish swaps classic paneer for golden-browned cubes of firm tofu, simmered in a rich, aromatic tomato and coconut milk curry. Infused with warming spices like cumin, garam masala, and turmeric, and loaded with tender green peas, this dish delivers all the creamy, spiced goodness of the original without the dairy. Ready in just 45 minutes, this plant-based Indian curry is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it with steamed basmati rice or dairy-free naan for an irresistible meal everyone will love!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 grams Firm tofu
• 200 grams Green peas
• 1 medium Onion
• 2 medium Tomatoes
• 3 units Garlic cloves
• 1 inch Ginger
• 200 ml Canned coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons Coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon Garam masala
• 0.5 teaspoon Chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Start by draining the tofu and pressing it gently with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut it into 1-inch cubes.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the tofu cubes and sauté until they are golden brown on all sides. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of coconut oil. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Finely chop the onion, garlic, and ginger. Add them to the pan and sauté until the onions are translucent.

Step 5

Blend the tomatoes into a smooth puree and add it to the pan. Cook the mixture until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.

Step 6

Stir in the turmeric, coriander powder, chili powder, and salt. Cook for another 2 minutes to let the spices bloom.

Step 7

Pour in the coconut milk and mix well. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes.

Step 8

Add the green peas and the sautéed tofu cubes to the sauce. Stir to coat well and let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the peas are cooked and the flavors meld together.

Step 9

Sprinkle the garam masala over the curry and stir.

Step 10

Turn off the heat, and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and lemon juice before serving.

Step 11

Serve the dairy-free matar paneer hot with rice or dairy-free naan.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1187.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1306.6

Total Fat 94.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 67.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.1g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2507.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 85.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 23.4g	0%
Total Sugars 35.2g
Protein 53.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 679.6mg	0%
Iron 20.0mg	0%
Potassium 2534.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 60.5%

Protein: 15.1%

Carbs: 24.4%