CONCOCTIONS OF A COOKAHOLIC !!!: Paneer Tawa Masala/Pan-Fried Cottage Cheese Gravy

Paneer is one ingredient which can transform into many avatars but doesn’t fail to amuse each time with different flavors and taste. I keep experimenting with paneer and this time it has found its way into this space in the form of tawa masala. I find this somehow an easier process than other elaborate paneer recipes but tastes equally rich and delish!

Ingredients:

Paneer-100g, cubed

Onion-1 big, finely chopped

Green chilies-1, finely chopped

Tomato-1 big, pureed

Ginger & Garlic paste-1 tsp

Red chili powder-1/2 tsp

Coriander powder-1 tsp

Turmeric powder-1 pinch

Garam masala powder-1/2 tsp

Cumin seeds-1 tsp

Bay leaf-1

Dried red chili-1

Crème fresh-1 tbsp

Salt- as needed

Fresh Coriander leaves-1 tbsp, finely chopped

Oil-2 tbsp

For Marinade:

Thick Unsour curd-2 tbsp/Lemon juice-1 tsp

Turmeric powder-1 pinch

Red chili powder-1/2 tsp

Kasuri methi-1 tsp, crushed

Shahi jeera/black cumin seeds-1/4 tsp

Black salt/kala namak-one big pinch

How It Happened:

1. In a bowl add all the ingredients given under ‘for marinade’ list. Mix well and to this add the paneer cubes and let it marinate for 30 minutes.

2. Heat a tsp of oil in a pan, add the marinated paneer cubes and fry for 5 minutes in medium flame until they turn golden brown. Transfer to a plate.

3. In the same pan, add the remaining oil add the cumin seeds, red chilies and bay leaf. When the cumin seeds pop add the chopped onions and green chilies.

4. When the onions turn glassy, add ginger and garlic paste and fry until the raw smell goes off.

5. Add red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder and salt. Mix well and fry for a minute.

6. Add the pureed tomato and cook in simmer until the mixture thickens and leaves out oil.