Chettinad Paneer Masala

This is a chettinad style  paneer curry prepared using spicy and aromatic masala.This goes well with rice or roti.

Ingredients

1. Paneer – 200 gms
2. Onion(chopped,medium) – 1
3. Grated Coconut –  1/2 cup
4. Peppercorns –  6
5. Garlic  – 2
6. Cardamom –1
7. Clove – 2
8. Cinnamon stick –1/4” piece
9. Cumin seeds –1/4 tsp
10. Coriander seeds –1 tsp
11. Fenugreek seeds(uluva) – 1/4 tsp
12. Fennel seeds(perumjeerakam) – 1/2 tsp
13. Turmeric powder – 1 tsp
14. Red Chilly powder – 1  tsp
15. Salt
16. Oil
17. Coriander leaves – to garnish

Preparation

1. Heat oil in a pan and fry paneer cubes till light brown.Soak fried paneer  in cold water to keep  soft.otherwise it will be hard after frying.
2. Roast grated coconut,peppercorns,garlic(chopped),cloves,cardamom,fennel seeds,cinnamon stick,cumin seeds,coriander seeds,fenugreek seeds.Once aroma comes, add red chilly powder and stir well.
3. Immediately remove from fire to avoid burning.Let it cool and grind it to a fine paste adding little amount of water..
4. Heat oil in a pan.Saute chopped onions till light brown.
5. Add the masala paste to it.Add salt to it.Stir well and once the oil clears,add  1/2 cup of water and cook.
6. Once it starts to boil,add fried paneer cubes to it and mix.cover and cook for 2 minutes to get mixed  with the masala
7. Remove from fire.
8. Garnish with coriander leaves.