Paneer Green Masala

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Paneer Green Masala
Prep time: 20 mins | Cooking time: 15 mins | Serves: 3

Ingredients:

• 300 grams (approx 2 cups when cubed) paneer (cottage cheese)
• 1 medium sized onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium sized tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons yogurt, whisked till smooth
• 1-2 tablespoons oil or ghee

For the masala:

• 1 cup coriander leaves
• 1/8th cup mint leaves
• 1-2 small green chillies (adjust to taste)
• 2″ piece ginger
• 5-6 fat cloves of garlic (with skin)
• 1/8th cup cashewnuts
• 3-4 methi seeds
• 4 peppercorns
• 1 small onion
• 3 cloves
• 1″ stick of cinnamon or cassia bark

Method:
1. Using 1-2 tablespoons of water grind all the ingredients mentioned under ‘For the masala‘ to a fine paste. Reserve the masala water from the mixer grinder.
2. Heat oil or ghee in a wide based pan and fry the onions till translucent. Add the tomatoes and a little salt and fry until the tomatoes turn mushy and the oil separates. Add the ground green masala and fry for a couple of minutes. Now add the whisked yogurt and cook on a medium-low heat.
3. Remove pan from heat and allow to cool for a bit. Blend the mixture into a smooth puree and keep aside in a bowl.
4. Heat some oil in the same pan and lightly fry the paneer cubes for a few seconds (optional step). If you do not want to fry the paneer pieces, just add the pureed mixture to the oil and cook for a minute. Then add the reserved masala water and adjust the consistency of the gravy by adding extra water if required. Adjust salt to taste. Sprinkle some lime juice to adjust the tanginess of the gravy.
5. Bring the gravy to a boil, reduce heat and add the paneer pieces, mix gently, cover and simmer for 2 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and serve hot garnished with fresh cream (if desired). This dish goes well with chapathis, neer dosa or white rice.