GRAVIED SPICY PANEER

Last week, the daddy thing at this home went on a short trip, the mumma - son duo had a fulfilling dinner with their favourite Paneer [Indian Cottage Cheese] ..... that definitely does not mean the daddy of the house has any problem with wha its cooking in the kitchen.... I wished that he peeped into the kitchen once in a while .... but then that will be much in contradiction with what he says.... No Rule is the only Rule in this House. If I say there has to be certain rules set for the teen,  he says he will learn from his mistakes..... I want my son to be happy in life..... 

No wonder many years back, some of us, his friends would visit his home more often.... which was a kind of 'thandi haoa ka jhoka' .... space for freedom and fun.... a relief from our military moms whose 'don't' list seemed long for us.... Coming back to the present... he only urges his lady not to feed him much of 'ghaspus' / vegetable dishes. That is where the lady needs to exercise a bit of pressure.

The new neighbourhood we shifted to a month ago also has an Indian minimart nearby and I really do not have to travel 5-6 km always to get Indian stuffs often .... that makes me happy.... It is there I found this new brand of paneer which proved to be a good deal. I am not really that sincere to prepare fresh paneer at home always. I enjoy my long outdoor walks, chitchat with the friends, at times the girls' get-together, family get-together, sometimes a weekend outing with the family. 

Besides all these, getting lost in the Bollywood fantasies is a favourite..... Living with two overly practical men, I have to balance. Done with all these, I do cook. The other day I got this small packet of paneer and prepared it fresh. It was 8pm already, hence I wished something simple and hassle free. You will see I did the curry with minimal spices. The use of cashew nut paste made it thick, creamy and mildly sweet. The marination of paneer with spices and lemon juice made it flavourful and tastier. Let us prepare this Gravied Spicy Paneer together.

INGREDIENTS :

Paneer : 250gm
Cashew nut : 4-5

Melon Seed : 1 tsp

Green Chilli : 2
Onion Paste : 1tbsp
Red Chilli Powder : 1/4 tsp
Turmeric Powder : 1/4 tsp
Coriander Powder : 1tsp
Cumin Powder : 1tsp
Lemon Juice : 2tbsp
Salt : As Required
Cumin Seed : 1/4tsp
Bayleaf : 1
Oil : 4tbsp

METHOD :

Marinate the paneer with the cumin powder, coriander powder, little chilli powder, a little of salt and the lemon juice. Keep aside for 15-20 minutes.

Prepare a paste with the cashew nuts, green chillies, melon seeds adding a little of water.

Heat the oil in a wok. Discard the marinade and lightly fry the marinated paneer pieces in batches. Keep aside.

Temper the oil with cumin seeds and a bayleaf. Add the onion paste, a little of turmeric powder, salt and fry for 2 minutes. Add the cashew nut-melon seeds-green chilli paste and fry for 2 minutes. Add a medium cup of water.

As the gravy comes to a boil, add the paneer pieces along with the marinade. Let cook for 3-4 minutes.

It is done. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve hot with rice or chapati.