Matar Paneer

Cottage cheese and green peas cooked in a gravy infused with Indian spices

Serves 4-5 people

Ingredients:

500g cottage cheese (cut in cubes)

150 g garden peas (frozen peas can be used as it is but if using fresh ones its better to preboil and then use them in this dish. The quantity can also be adjusted according to personal preference)

¼ cup cooking oil

1 cup sliced onions

1 cup diced tomatoes

2 tsp ginger garlic paste

1 tbsp yoghurt

2 tsp cumin seeds

Dry spices-

2 tsp coriander powder

½ tsp haldi powder(turmeric)

2 tsp red chilli powder

1 tsp kasuri methi (dred fenugreek leaves)

Salt to taste

Garnishing-

2-3 tbsp cream

¼ cup coriander leaves

Method:

In a pot, heat oil and begin by splattering cumin seeds. Add onions and fry them golden (not too dark, it will spoil the colour of the dish). After frying onions, add ginger garlic paste, tomatoes and yoghurt including all the dry spices. Fry this masala for about 8-10 minutes or until you can see the oil began to separate.

Switch the flame off and use a blender to make a paste of the masala.*

Now add cottage cheese, peas and mix. Add about ½-3/4 cup water and taste to adjust the seasoning. Cover and let it simmer for 5-8 minutes to blend in all the flavours.

Check the consistency and the seasoning of the gravy and adjust according to your preference. Finally pour cream, mix it in and switch off the flame. Serve with lachcha roti, paratha or naan (Indian bread)