Paneer Spicy Curry

Paneer, is one of the ingredients that is easy to work with in order to try and create different combinations and flavors. If done correctly it can absorb whatever flavor we put it in. This dish is one such dish where I just did what came to my mind. Some methods are tedious and some are way too easy. This particular dish is not at all difficult and all you need is the ingredients.

Ingredients:-

Paneer - cubed 2 cups
Kasoori methi - 1/2 tsp
Ajwain - 2 pinch not more 
Onion - 1 big cubed
Tomatoes - 5 nos cut into cubes
Green chilies - 3 nos
Ginger garlic paste - 1 tbsp
Chaat masala - 1/2 tsp
Garam masala - 1/2 tsp
Chili powder - 1.5 tsp
Coriander powder - 1 tsp
Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp
Shah jeera - 1/2 tsp
Cashew - 15nos (soaked and ground to a fine paste)
or
White sesame seeds - 4 tbsp (ground to a fine paste)
or
whipping cream regular - 1/4 cup

Method:-
1. Its optional to fry the paneer in a little oil.
2. In a non stick kadai, pour oil and when hot add the ingredients in this order
kasoori methi
ajwain
cumin seeds
shah jeera
and roast on low heat for a few seconds
3. Add the cubed onions and brown it
4. Now add the ginger garlic paste and fry till the raw smell is gone
5. Followed by chili powder, coriander powder and garam masala and half a cup of water. Wait for the raw smell to go.
6. Add the tomatoes and salt and let it cook completely, if needed add a little water.
7. Once the gravy is cooked well, cool it and then grind it in the mixie or you can grind it hot in the food processor.
8. It can be either fine or coarsely ground depending on how you like it.
9. Pour back the gravy in the kadai and bring it to a boil till the oil separates.
10. Pour the cream or ground cashew or ground sesame seeds and a little bit water depending on the consistency of the gravy required.
11. Reduce the heat and check the salt. Once the gravy is done add the cubed or fried paneer and let it simmer for 5 to 10 mins.
12. Garnish with cilantro and enjoy hot paneer curry with rotis, puris, parattas or even rice.

Hot and yummy paneer curry ready to calm your palate....

Veggie Fried Rice Quick N Easy...

Vegetable fried rice is a big time favorite in our house and I am sure its a hit in most houses. Each time I make it, there is always something different I try to bring in a little different flavor into it. And boy, did it turn out great today!! I just couldn’t stop myself from writing it up today...

So here it goes,

Ingredients

Green beans - chopped 1cup
Carrot            - chopped 1 cup
Scallions       - 3 chopped fine
Green Bell pepper - sliced thin 1 cup
Green chilies - 3 nos chopped
White or yellow onion - 1 sliced thin
(make sure u separate them by hand after slicing)
Ginger - grated or sliced thin 1 tbsp
Basmati rice - 2 cups of raw rice
Red chili flakes - ½ tsp
Soya sauce - ½ tsp
Hoisin sauce - ½ tsp (optional)

Method:-

1. Wash and cook the 2 cups of rice with 4 cups of water, salt and a few pepper corns and a few drops of oil. Remove to a big plate and let it cool immediately after its cooked completely. Over cooking will break the rice.
2. Steam cook the beans and carrot with a few drops of water and salt, do not over cook it.If you like to retain the crunch of the vegetables remove it when its ¾th done. It will get almost done in the heat that it retains.
3. In a wok, heat oil and when hot add the ginger and green chilies and fry for a few seconds.
4. Add the cooked beans and carrot followed by soy sauce, hoisin sauce, chili flakes and a few drops of water. Very very little water as it will help the sauces to get incorporated into the veggies and not get burnt.
5. Remove the wok from the stove.
6. Start mixing the cooled rice to the veggies slowly and by folding them very gently to avoid breaking the rice. Remember that the rice has to be cool before you start mixing them.
7. Now add the sliced bell pepper, onion and scallions and mix well but gently.
8. You can heat the mixed rice in the stove top or microwave and enjoy.

Don’t worry about mixing the raw onions and bell peppers, the warmth of the mixed rice and heating it before serving is all that it needs. The mix of flavors for this is wonderful and the aroma will make even the pickiest eater at your table to try it. Serve it with your favorite side dish and voila its even the perfect main rice course for a get together or even a party!!

Have a wonderful meal..... You will love it!!!