43 PANEER MAKHANI

Paneer(Cottage cheese) Makhani(Butter)


Fried Paneer cubes - 10 -12 ( or as needed)
Capsicum/Bell pepper - 1 medium chopped into big cubes
Onion - 2 large chopped into big cubes
Tomato paste - 2 tsp
Garlic - 3
Ginger and garlic paste - 1 1/2 tbsp
Cashew - 8 - 10
Kasuri Methi( Dry fenugreek leaves) - 1 tbsp or little more
Cinnamon, clove and cardamom - 1 each
Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp
Chilli powder - 1 bsp
Coriander powder - 1 tbsp
Cumin powder - 1/2 tbsp
Kitchen king Masala(powder) - 1/2 tsp
Butter - 2 tbsp
Oil - 1 tbsp


Heat a tbsp of oil and 1 /2 onions chopped and fry till transparent. To it add garlic and cashew(if you want it more thicker or creamier then can add few more cashews) and fry everything together for another 3 - 4 minutes. Remove and keep aside and when cool grind to a smooth paste.

Heat butter ,wait till it melts and add the cinnamon, clove, cardamom and cumin( These are all optional, just to give additional flavor- can always skip). Wait for few seconds and ginger and garlic paste. Saute for a minute in low flame and then add the remaining chopped onion cubes and fry to 2 minutes. Next add chopped capsicum. Fry both together for another - 2 - 3 minutes. The capsicum should still be crisp and green in color. Next add the tomato paste( Have used hunt's) and saute for a minute and add in kasuri methi and fry well till it is mixed up. Immediately add all the powders, mix well and then the ground paste. Add salt and cook till the raw smell leaves for 8 - 10 minutes. Can also add a cup of water. Switch off flame and add the fried paneer cubes.


Can cut your home made paneer into cubes and shallow fry in oil till the sides are light brown. Immediately add to the curry or if using or going to add after some time then add them immediately to cold water after frying or the other often woul be to sprinkle a pinch of salt and lime juice.

Can also use tomatoes in place of tomato paste. First put 3 ripe tomatoes in hot water for 5 minutes. Drain water and remove/peel their skin. Make a paste.
OR
Cut into thick cubes, add 1/4 cup of water and cook in a microwave for 3 minutes and then make a paste.

This gravy is one of fav side dish for paratha/chapathi/roti and my kids love the paneer in them. So I usually add more paneer. Also a favourite among friends.

So I am sending this to Shama's Family's favourite food event.also sending these below to the same event.
Kulfi
Pineapple kesari
Schezwan Chicken Fried Rice
Shrimp Masala
Paneer Bhurji
Mushroom Kurma
Malai Kofta
Egg Biryani
Tomato Rice
Bhel Puri
Ragada Patties
Kothu Parotta
Egg Omelette curry
Appalam Poo Koottu


and also these to Srilekha's EFM- Parathas and Gravies event