Mutter Paneer -- Indian Cheese Curry

Sackville's Note:

A fabulous vegetarian curry, which I got off a blog, www.route79.com -- taste and fall in love! You can add a finely chopped hot chilli if you want to spice it up.

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 2

• 250 g paneer cheese , cubed
• 1 medium onion , chopped finely
• 1 (400 g) can chopped tomatoes
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 garlic cloves , minced
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 ½ teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• oil , for frying
• cilantro , chopped (to garnish)

Directions:

1. Put a little bit of oil in a deep, heavy bottomed frying pan and brown the cheese, turning frequently so no sides burn. When it is browned, set aside on a plate.
2. Add more oil, if needed, to the pan and throw in the onions.
3. Let them fry until golden, then add the garlic and spices.
4. Fry some more for a couple minutes, then add the tin of tomatoes and about 1/2 cup of water.
5. Let simmer for about five minutes, then put in the fried cheese and peas and simmer covered over a low heat for about 20 minutes.
6. Check the consistency and simmer some more if needed to bring it down to a thickness you like.
7. Serve with rice and other Indian curries of your choice.

Reviews

[MilliMoMo]

I did many things wrong in this recipe. I made it without the peas, and I used minced dried onion instead of fresh. I doubled the garlic and added about 1.5 teaspoons of cinnamon. I also missed the step about setting aside the paneer, so it was included in the entire process. Geesh! We stirred in fresh cilantro at the end and garnished the dish with more cilantro and sliced banana. It was good but a little bland. The Mister loved it. I'll try it again and follow the recipe exactly next time.

[Reggie's Mom]

I just finished making this tonight. My first time making any kind of Indian food. So....after I practically licked my plate clean I decided to review this recipe. This is such an easy recipe and the flavours of the spices blend beautifully. I used Nanak Paneer that I purchase from an Indian grocery store (that brand was recommended to me by an Indian lady I work with. Can't wait to have the left overs for lunch tomorrow! The only change I made was to add a splash of cream just at the end, gave it a nice creamy texture.

[micro_ang]

This was very tasty, I made it exactly as written. It was nice and spicy without being too hot. My meat-eating husband and fussy toddler both loved it too. Thanks for this great recipe!