Paneer Bhurji (Spiced Scrambled Cottage Cheese)

Ingredients

• Paneer - 500 g
• Onion - 2 whole
• Tomato - 1 whole
• Green chili - 2 whole
• Ginger-garlic paste - 2 tsp
• Red chili powder - 1 tsp
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
• Cumin powder - 1 tsp
• Vegetable masala powder - 1 tsp
• Tomato paste - 1/4 cup
• Cream - 1 tbsp
• Sugar - 1 tsp
• Coriander leaves
• Red capsicum
• Oil
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. 1Crumble the paneer and finely chop the onion, tomato, green chilies and coriander; dice the red capsicum for garnish.
2. 2Heat oil in a pan, then sauté the chopped onion, chopped tomato, ginger-garlic paste and green chilies until the onion softens and the tomato breaks down.
3. 3Add the crumbled paneer and stir to combine, then sprinkle in the red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, vegetable masala powder and salt; mix well so the spices coat the paneer.
4. 4Add water and the tomato paste, stir to incorporate, then cover and cook so the paneer can absorb the sauce flavors.
5. 5Gradually stir in the cream and sugar, then fold through the chopped coriander leaves so they brighten the mixture.
6. 6Allow flavors to infuse for at least 15 minutes before serving.
7. 7Garnish with the diced red capsicum and serve with rice or roti.
8. 8Optional: serve with a wedge of lemon or a dollop of plain yogurt for extra tang.