LAAL PANEER

Laal Paneer

This dish was developed as we go kind. We were preparing to make Paneer in non-specified manner but since I wanted something spicy, I thought why not try making it in the chilli gravy. And so the Laal Paneer was made.

Ingredients:

• Paneer/Cottage cheese 300 gm
• Dried whole red chilli 5-6 (increase or decrease the quantity depending upon how spicy you want)
• Onion 2 (sliced)
• Ginger 1” piece
• Garlic cloves 3-4
• Yogurt 1 cup
• Whole spices: Cumin seeds 1 tsp, Cloves 4-5, Black cardamom 1, Green cardamom 2, Cinnamon 1 stick
• Dry spices (1 tsp each): Red chilli powder, Turmeric powder,  Garam masala, Coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• Water as required

Method

• Soak dry red chillies in hot water for 15-20 minutes. Grind them to paste along with ginger and garlic.
• Heat oil in a pan and add whole spices.
• Once the spices get little roasted,  add the sliced onion. Sauté well.
• When onion turn light brown, add chilli paste. Cook well till oil separates.
• Whisk yogurt and add dry spices in it. Mix well.
• Add spiced yogurt in onions. Keep the heat on very low and keep stirring to avoid    curdling of yogurt. Cook till oil separates. This may take 8-10 minutes.
• Add water, mix well. Add paneer and mix well.
• Cover with lid and let simmer on low heat for 4-5 minutes. 
• Laal Paneer is ready. Serve hot with roti, paratha or naan.