Paneer (Cottage Cheese) with Peas

Ingredients:

200 grams Paneer
1 cup Cooked green peas
1 Onion
1 Tomato
2 Bay leaves
3-4 Cloves
1/4 tsp Black pepper powder
1 tsp Ginger-garlic paste
1 Green chilli
1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
1 tsp Red chilli powder
1/2 tsp Coriander powder
1 tbsp Poppey seeds
1 tsp Roasted cumin powder
1 tsp Garam Masala powder
5-6 Vegetable oil
Salt to taste
Green coriander leaves for garnishing

Method:

1. Heat oil in a pan / kadhai
2. Cut paneer pieces into small cubes. Fry over medium heat until light brown. Turn pieces while frying. Be very careful as it splatters. Keep aside the paneer pieces.
3. Cut onion, tomato and green chilli. Grind it in mixer and make paste. Add ginger-garlic paste.
4. Heat remaining oil and fry bay leaves and cloves for 30 seconds. Add the paste and fry on medium heat until golden brown (The oil starts separating from the mixture).
5. Add red chilli powder, turmeric, coriander powder, garam masala, black pepper, poppey seeds and salt. Mix well. Add green peas and fry for 2-3 minutes.
6. Add water just enough to make thick gravy. Bring gravy to boil.
7. Add paneer pieces. Stir well and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes.

Garnish with chopped green coriander leaves and serve hot.

Jeff's notes:
1. I found that I could get away without frying the cottage cheese. It's cumbersome with all the oil splattering and can take over an hour to fry every piece on medium heat.
2. I usually double portions, which has turned out just right for a dinner party.
3. It's best to measure and mix the spices in a small bowl before cooking.

This recipe has also appeared at The Recipe Pot.