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    Home » Curries & Gravies » Khoya Mutter | Green Peas Masala

    Published: Jun 9, 2020 · Modified: Jan 29, 2021 by Priya * This post may contain affiliate links.

    Khoya Mutter | Green Peas Masala

    Recipe Print
    a hand holding a spoon and digging into a bowl of Khoya Mutter and text at the top
    a bowl of Khoya Mutter placed in a wooden tray with text at the bottom
    a bowl of Khoya Mutter placed next to a bowl of green peas and text at the top
    a brass bowl filled with Khoya Mutter with a spoon in it and text at the top

    Khoya Mutter is a restaurant-style Asian/Indian vegetarian side dish. This rich and creamy green peas masala recipe is prepared in 30 minutes using Indian spices and mawa.

    a brass bowl filled with Khoya Mutter with a spoon in it

    Table of Contents

    • Dining at Indian restaurants
    • Trending now
    • What is Khoya
    • Why make this gravy
    • Ingredients needed
    • Here's how to make it
    • Serving suggestions
    • Top tips, recommendations, and suggestions
    • Green peas recipes that we love
    • Khoya Mutter | Green Peas Masala

    Dining at Indian restaurants

    We all have a restaurant favorite dish that we always order.

    Whenever I visit an Indian restaurant, mine is always either one of these - Kadai Paneer, Palak Paneer, Khoya Mutter, or Aloo Mutter.

    But I also enjoy recreating all my favorite dishes in the comfort of my home!

    Indian curries and gravies are popular worldwide. I have so many non-Indian friends who love going to an Indian restaurant and try out new dishes.

    Initially, I had the misconception that no one can deal with spicy food like us Asians. But once I got here, I was proven wrong.

    I know of so many American friends who love their food hot and fiery.

    In fact, some have even asked me to share some of my spice powders with them, so that they can use them in their day-to-day cooking. This makes me so happy.

    Trending now

    Khoya Mutter is a classic from Punjabi cuisine. This vegetarian green peas curry is mildly spiced, slightly sweet and tangy yet it keeps the authentic Indian flavor intact.

    The khoya brings in a certain sweetness to this dish. It also lends texture to the gravy making it smooth and creamy.

    Khoya Mutter served in abrass bowl with a spoon in it and a muslin cloth beneath it

    What is Khoya

    Khoya is a dairy product widely used in India and its neighboring countries.

    It is made of either dried whole milk or milk thickened by heating in an open iron pan. It is lower in moisture than typical fresh cheeses such as ricotta.

    It is easily available in the frozen section of an Indian market. These dried evaporated milk solids are mainly used to make desserts.

    Why make this gravy

    • Is simple to make
    • Needs few Indian spices
    • A luscious vegetarian meal
    • Can be made in 30 minutes

    Prepare this dish when you have some guests over or for your next family dinner. This Asian side dish is definitely a dish that will garner a lot of compliments.

    Ingredients needed

    all the ingredients needed to make Khoya Mutter placed in a tray with labels on them

    Here are the ingredients that you need to make this Asian vegetarian recipe.

    • Khoya or Mawa - You can use fresh or frozen and it can be found in an Indian grocery store or be made at home.
    • Green Peas - Use fresh or frozen peas.
    • Onions and tomatoes
    • Ginger and garlic
    • Cilantro
    • Cashews
    • Spices - Turmeric powder, cumin powder, garam masala, and Paprika (not shown in pic)
    • Whole spices (not shown in pic) - Cumin seeds, Bay leaf, cloves, and cinnamon stick

    Here's how to make it

    4 image collage showing how to make the masala for Khoya Mutter

    There are three parts to this Asian vegetarian recipe. First, you need to prepare the rich and creamy masala vase. Here is what you need to do about that.

    1. Pour water into a pan and add chopped onions, garlic, cashews, and tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, simmer, and continue to cook till the veggies soften. This could take 7-8 minutes.
    2. Take it off the flame, strain the water, and allow the mixture to cool down. This water can be used as a stock. DO NOT throw it away.
    3. Transfer the onion-tomato mixture to a blender. Add ginger paste.
    4. Then grind it to a smooth paste. Add little stock or water to get the creamy consistency. Keep this paste aside for now.

    6 image collage showing the steps to make Khoya Mutter

    The second part is to prep the khoya/mawa/khoa and the third part is to prepare Khoya Mutter by putting it all together.

    1. Meanwhile, thaw mawa to room temperature if using the frozen one. Then crumble them using your fingers. Transfer mawa to a skillet and saute it in oil for 4-5 minutes on medium flame. This is done to loosen it up so that it mixes well with the gravy. Transfer it to a plate and keep it aside for now.
    2. Heat oil or ghee in the same skillet, add cumin seeds and once they crackle, add the remaining whole spices like cloves, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf. Saute for 1 minute.
    3. Then add the onion tomato paste. Continue to saute for a good 5-6 minutes, till the masala is cooked and the oil separates.
    4. Now you need to add dry spices like turmeric powder, cumin powder, paprika, and salt. Mix and cook for 30 seconds.
    5. Add green peas along with stock or water to get the desired consistency, mix and cook covered for at least 10-12 minutes. Stir at regular intervals.
    6. Lastly add the sautéed khoya, chopped cilantro, garam masala, and salt. Mix it all well. Let it cook for 5 more minutes. Take it off the flame.

    a bowl of Khoya Mutter placed next to a bowl of green peas

    Serving suggestions

    Khoya Mutter is now ready. Pair this green peas recipe warm with any Indian bread like naan/roti/chapati or even regular bread.

    This Asian side dish can also be served over a bowl of steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or cooked quinoa.

    This dish is especially great for those who cannot stomach the heat of spicy Indian food.

    This curry is perfect to make for parties, family brunches, and/or during festive occasions.

    Top tips, recommendations, and suggestions

    Substitutions for mawa in this Asian vegetarian recipe - Use evaporated milk or Unsalted Ricotta cheese if needed.

    Alternatively, you can also use powdered milk mixed with heavy cream. The gravy should have a thick and creamy texture. Adjust water accordingly.

    One can also use gulab jamun mix. Just sprinkle water to knead it and steam for 10 minutes. You will get instant khoya. You can use it for the gravy.

    You can also add paneer cubes to this gravy and make Khoya Mutter Paneer.

    This green peas recipe is a vegetarian Asian side dish, but to make it vegan, skip the khoya and use crumbled soft silken tofu or makhana instead.

    You may also add almond/ cashew paste/powder.

    a bowl of Khoya Mutter placed in a wooden tray

    Green peas recipes that we love

    • Rajasthani Carrot and Green Peas Curry
    • Kovalam Mutter
    • Green Peas Pulao
    • Methi Matar Malai
    • Mutter Ka Nimona
    • Dum Aloo

    a hand holding a spoon and digging into a bowl of Khoya Mutter

    If you’ve tried this Khoya Mutter recipe or any other recipe on the blog please let me know how it went by commenting below, I love hearing from you!

    You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious vegetarian and vegan recipes and what I’m getting up to.
    a brass bowl filled with Khoya Mutter with a spoon in it

    Khoya Mutter | Green Peas Masala

    Khoya Mutter is a restaurant-style Asian/Indian vegetarian side dish. This rich and creamy green peas masala recipe is prepared in 30 minutes using Indian spices and mawa.
    4.7 from 13 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: entree, Main Course, Side Dish
    Cuisine: Indian, Punjabi
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 266.21kcal
    Author: Priya Lakshminarayan

    Equipment

    skillet

    Ingredients 

    To prepare the masala base

    • 2 cups water
    • 1 onion roughly chopped
    • 5 cloves garlic
    • 10-12 cashews
    • 3 tomatoes roughly chopped
    • 1 tbsp ginger paste

    To prepare the khoya

    • 1 tsp oil or ghee
    • 100 gms khoya

    To prepare the gravy

    • 1 tbsp oil or ghee
    • 1 tsp cumin seeds
    • 4 cloves
    • 1-2 bay leaf
    • 1 cinnamon stick
    • 1 tsp turmeric powder
    • 1 tbsp paprika or chilli powder
    • 1 tbsp cumin powder
    • 2 cups green peas
    • 2 tsp garam masala
    • 1/4 cup Cilantro for garnish
    • Salt

    Instructions

    To prepare the masala base

    • Pour water in a pan and add chopped onions, garlic, cashews, and tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, simmer, and continue to cook till the veggies soften. This could take 7-8 minutes.
    • Take it off the flame, strain the water, and allow the mixture to cool down. This water can be used as a stock. DO NOT throw it away.
    • Transfer the onion-tomato mixture to a blender. Add ginger paste.
    • Then grind it to a smooth paste. Add little stock or water to get the creamy consistency. Keep this paste aside for now.

    To prepare the khoya

    • Meanwhile, thaw mawa to room temperature if using the frozen one. Then crumble them using your fingers.
    • Transfer this to a skillet and saute it in oil for 4-5 minutes on medium flame. Transfer it to a plate and keep it aside for now.

    To prepare the gravy

    • Heat oil or ghee in the same skillet, add cumin seeds and once they crackle, add the remaining whole spices like cloves, cinnamon stick and bay leaf. Saute for 1 minute.
    • Then add the onion tomato paste. Continue to saute for a good 5-6 minutes, till the masala is cooked and the oil separates.
    • Now you need to add the dry spices like turmeric powder, cumin powder, paprika, and salt. Mix and cook for 30 seconds.
    • Add green peas along with stock or water to get the desired consistency, mix and cook covered for at least 10-12 minutes. Stir at regular intervals.
    • Lastly add the sautéed khoya, chopped cilantro, garam masala, and salt. Mix it all well. Let it cook for 5 more minutes. Take it off the flame.
    • Khoya Mutter is now ready. Pair this green peas recipe warm with any Indian bread like naan/roti/chapati.

    Notes

    Although mawa is a key ingredient in this Asian vegetarian recipe, you can substitute it with evaporated milk or Unsalted Ricotta cheese if needed. Take one cup of ricotta cheese, cook it for about 10 minutes in a pan. Add a tablespoon butter to it and 1.5 cups of carnation dry milk powder. Keep on stirring constantly, until it reaches "mawa" consistency, about 7 minutes on medium heat.
    Alternatively, you can also use powdered milk mixed with heavy cream. 
    The gravy should have a thick and creamy texture. Adjust water accordingly. You can also add paneer cubes in this gravy and make Khoya Mutter Paneer. 
    This green peas recipe is a vegetarian Asian side dish, but to make it vegan, skip the khoya and use crumbled silken tofu or makhana instead. You may also add almond/ cashew paste/powder. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 266.21kcal | Carbohydrates: 27.52g | Protein: 11.17g | Fat: 13.34g | Saturated Fat: 4.45g | Cholesterol: 5.1mg | Sodium: 90.66mg | Potassium: 557.2mg | Fiber: 7.56g | Sugar: 8.11g | Vitamin A: 2360.66IU | Vitamin C: 45.38mg | Calcium: 252.88mg | Iron: 3.53mg
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    Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. For more information on my Affiliate and Advertising Policy, please click here.

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    Comments

    1. Shanu says

      June 29, 2021 at 2:49 am

      5 stars
      I tried your recipe and it came out really awesome everyone loved it

      Reply
      • Priya says

        June 29, 2021 at 1:09 pm

        Thank you so much. So glad you and your family loved it 🙂

        Reply
    2. Dannii says

      June 12, 2020 at 3:01 am

      5 stars
      What incredible flavours. I can't wait to try this.

      Reply
    3. Priya Shiva says

      June 12, 2020 at 2:21 am

      5 stars
      Such a flavorful peas curry! I love the pics so much that I wish to make this curry right now!

      Reply
    4. SHANIKA says

      June 12, 2020 at 12:11 am

      5 stars
      I love hoe creative and flavorful this dish is! This is such a great way to use Green Peas! YUM!

      Reply
    5. Nart at Cooking with Nart says

      June 11, 2020 at 11:43 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so delicious and full of flavor. I'm sure it's gonna be a hit when I try the recipe out! 🙂

      Reply
    6. Monica says

      June 11, 2020 at 11:40 pm

      5 stars
      This looks delicious and like a great way to change up our vegetarian menu! Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
    7. Jessica Formicola says

      June 10, 2020 at 1:38 pm

      5 stars
      This is one of our all time favorite meals! It turns out perfectly every time and it is so full of flavor!

      Reply
    8. Noelle says

      June 10, 2020 at 1:29 pm

      5 stars
      This was delicious!! Great flavors, saving to make again soon!

      Reply
    9. Beth says

      June 10, 2020 at 1:25 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so delicious! I can't wait to try this! It looks so flavor filled!

      Reply
    10. Alison Marras says

      June 10, 2020 at 12:46 pm

      5 stars
      This sounds and looks so delish! Loads of fiber, too!

      Reply
    11. Carrie Robinson says

      June 10, 2020 at 12:22 pm

      5 stars
      Such a great idea for a side dish! 🙂

      Reply
    12. Rebecca | Let's Eat Cake says

      July 02, 2017 at 3:07 pm

      Your recipes continue to inspire me! I love this one - the spice combo sounds fantastic!

      Reply
    13. Lizzie says

      July 02, 2017 at 11:40 am

      This looks so simple! I'll keep an eye out for khoya next time i'm at our local asian grocer

      Reply
    14. teri stephens says

      July 02, 2017 at 11:14 am

      The colors in this recipe are beautiful. This looks so delicious. I've been intimidated by cooking with Indian spices, but you have explained this so well, I'm going to jump in!

      Reply
    15. Christie says

      July 02, 2017 at 11:13 am

      I need to make this for my husband. It would be a taste of home for him.

      Reply
    16. Dee Samaan says

      July 02, 2017 at 11:08 am

      This looks amazing!!! YUMMY!!!!

      Reply
    17. Natalia says

      June 14, 2017 at 4:28 pm

      I love Indian cuisine, although mostly I have it while eating out. I decided to start experimenting more often in the kitchen after reading your post, as this looks so tasty!

      Reply
    18. Tracy | Baking Mischief says

      June 14, 2017 at 3:20 pm

      This looks delish, and your photos are beautiful! I love spicy foods, so this sounds amazing.

      Reply
    19. Lindsey | Lito Supply Co. says

      June 14, 2017 at 2:46 pm

      Yum, this looks gorgeous AND delicious!

      Reply
    20. Beth Neels says

      June 14, 2017 at 2:12 pm

      I love Indian Spices and the step by instructions are great since I've never cooked it before.

      Reply
    21. trialandeater1 says

      June 14, 2017 at 12:56 pm

      I want this for dinner with allll the naan bread! Pinning for later!

      Reply
    22. Caitlin Sherwood says

      June 14, 2017 at 12:53 pm

      This recipe is right up my alley... Can't wait to try! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    23. mashupmom says

      June 14, 2017 at 11:27 am

      That looks absolutely delicious -- great presentation, and I love masala!

      Reply

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