KASHMIRI PANEER CHAMAN

I was looking for a different paneer recipe I have never cooked before. I landed at this recipe of Kashmiri style paneer recipe which they call Veth Chaman in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. As I came across the recipe, I was once again lost in the past. It was October, 1987 that we visited Kashmir, indeed a Paradise on Earth. 

Mesmerised by its picturesque beauty, I always wished to visit again in future but never could. Everything I saw there is fresh on my mind till date, even the innocence of the rural people. A basket full of apples was gifted happily, they even refused to take money. Then what did they ask for in return? Our mother's strips of Bindi.

I do not remember if we had tasted the local cuisine there or not. What I always say is that our parents were limited in their choice of food then. What I read is this Paneer Chaman is a vegetarian recipe prepared by the Kashmiri Pandits of Jammu and Kashmir. I went through a number of recipes and finally adapted this recipe from "mapsofindia.com". The paneer pieces are usually fried but I did not as I was trying to reduce the amount of oil consumption. Let us do it.

INGREDIENTS :

Paneer : 300gm
Tomato : 2medium
Asafoetida : A pinch
Ginger Powder : 1tsp
Fennel Powder : 1tsp
Garam Masala Powder : 1/4tsp
Kashmiri Chilli Powder : 1tsp
Red Chilli Powder : 1/4tsp
Turmeric Powder : 1/2tsp
Salt : As required
Cumin Seeds : 2pinches
Milk : 1/2 small cup
Oil : 2tbsp

PROCEDURE :

Cut the paneer into cubes, marinate with a little of salt. Cut and wash the tomatoes, discard the seeds. Prepare a tomato paste in the blender.

Heat the oil in a wok. Temper with the cumin seeds and a pinch of asafoetida.

Add the tomato paste and saute well for 2-3 minutes. Add some salt, turmeric powder, ginger powder, fennel powder, Kashmiri mirch, red chilli powder and stir well for a minute.

Pour half cup water and let the gravy boil at low heat for 3-4 minutes.

Add the paneer pieces and milk. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Add the garam masala powder. Stir carefully.

Let cook for half a minute and switch off the gas stove.

Enjoy it with any kind of handmade bread.