PANEER MASALA

 PANEER MASALA

Paneer ( Indian Cottage Cheese) is probably the most popular dish in many Indian cuisines. Wherever you travel in India almost every restaurant will have some dishes made with paneer. Likewise, it remains a favourite in most Indian homes. 

Earlier, we used to make paneer at home ourselves but these days, especially in the cities, paneer is bought off the shelf from most stores.  It is made and sold by many reputed brands. Nowadays paneer has become more popular since people - especially vegetarians- have become more conscious of their need to have sufficient protein in their diets.

I recently came across this informative article in the website of Modern Diagnostics . It gives in detail the amount of protein etc contained in paneer and its various health benefits. 

Elsewhere in this blog, you will find recipes for other dishes made with Paneer such as:-

• Palak Paneer
• Shahi Paneer
• Paneer Tawa Fry
• Chatakedar Paneer

Today's recipe is for a simple yet tasty dish that I make often at home. We generally have this with hot rotis. Please try it out and let me know how it was for you! 

Ingredients:-

• Paneer, 200 gms
• Onion, medium-sized, 1
• Tomatoes, medium-sized, 2
• Cumin Seeds, (Jeera), 1/2 tsp
• Chilli Powder, 1 tsp
• Turmeric Powder, 1/4 tsp
• Coriander Powder, 1 tsp
• Sugar, 1 tsp
• Kasuri Methi, 1 tsp
• Garam Masala Powder, 1/2 tsp
• Fresh Cream, 2 tbsp
• Salt to taste
• Oil, 2 tbsp

Method:-

Cut the paneer into cubes

Peel and finely chop the onion

Cut the tomatoes and grind them in a small mixer jar to make a puree

Finely chop the coriander leaves

Heat oil in a thick-bottomed kadhai, when it gets heated add the cumin seeds, saute till it changes colour

Now add the finely chopped onions. Saute till they turn slightly golden in colour

Next add the tomato puree and mix well

To this add the chilli powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder and salt to taste

Mix well so that the spices, onions and tomato puree get well blended together

Add 1 tsp of sugar which will give a little sweetness to the dish 

Crush the kasuri methi lightly between your palms and add to the mixture

Mix in the garam masala powder 

Add a little water to get a gravy like consistency

Next, add the cubed paneer, mix well and let the mixture come to a boil

Reduce the flame and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes 

Now add the fresh cream and mix well 

Switch off the gas and transfer the Paneer Masala to a serving bowl

Finally, garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves

Serve the Paneer Masala with hot rotis