Mutter Paneer -- Indian Cheese Curry

 

Mutter Paneer is a classic vegetarian dish from northern India. Mutter refers to peas and paneer is a farmer's cheese. These ingredients are combined in a tomato-based sauce and seasoned with garam masala.

 

Serve with basmati rice and any Indian-type bread such as naan, paratha, poori or roti.

 

Ingredients:

• Paneer cheese (about 250 grams)
• 1 medium onion
• 3 tomatoes
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
• 1 tsp. ground coriander
• 1 1/2 tsps. garam masala
• 1 tsp. turmeric
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1 tsp. salt
• oil, for frying
• cilantro, chopped (to garnish) 

Directions:

• Cut the paneer cheese into bite-sized cubes.
• Chop up the onions and tomatoes and mince the garlic cloves finely. Reserve.
• Heat a deep-walled frying pan and add a bit of cooking oil to it, brown the paneer taking care to turn the cubes over frequently.
• Reserve the paneer once they are nicely browned. 
• Add the chopped onions to the pan once the paneer has been removed.
• Cook the onions until golden then add the garlic and spices.
• Cook for a few more minutes then add the tomatoes and 1/2 a cup of water.
• Simmer for 5 minutes, return the paneer to the pan and also the peas, cover the pan, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
• Reduce the liquid in the pan until it is a desired thickness (if too watery simmer a bit longer and check frequently).

 

Bon appétit!