Paneer Tava Masala

This is a Punjabi version of paneer masala recipe. It is prepared with cottage cheese and  a spice mix of ajwain and cumin seeds.It goes well with Rotis and Rice.

Ingredients

1. Paneer (cut into cubes) – 2 cups
2. Fenugreek leaves(kasoori Methi,crushed) – 1 tbsp
3. Chilly Powder – 1 tsp
4. Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp
5. Chat Masala – 1 tsp
6. Ajwain(carom seeds) –1/2 tsp
7. Cumin seeds (jeera) – 1/2 tsp
8. Onion(chopped) – 1/2 cup
9. Garlic  paste – 1 tsp
10. Green Chilly(chopped) – 2
11. Coriander(Dhania) powder – 1 tsp
12. Tomato puree- 1/2 cup
13. Caraway seeds(shah jeera,roasted) – 1/4 tsp
14. Fresh Cream – 2tbsp
15. Punjabi Garam Masala – 1/2 tsp
16. Oil –6 tbsp
17. Salt – to taste
18. Coriander leaves(chopped) – 2 tbsp

Preparation

1. Marinate the paneer cubes with dried fenugreek leaves,chilly powder,turmeric powder,chat masala and salt.Keep aside for 30 minutes
2. Heat 3 tbsp of oil in a kadai.Shallow fry marinated paneer pieces till golden brown in color.Drain on tissue paper and keep aside.
3. Heat the remaining oil on a tava and add the ajwain and cumin seeds to it.
4. When they crackle,add chopped onions and saute till they turn translucent.
5. Add garlic paste,chopped green chilly,coriander powder,salt and saute for 2 minutes.
6. Add the tomato puree and caraway seeds.Cook till the oil separates from the gravy.
7. Add the fried paneer cubes,cream and Punjabi garam masala and mix gently.
8. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
9. serve  with roti or rice.

Recipe Source: “Punjabi Subzis “ by Tarla Dalal.