Dhaba Paneer

Step 1/6

• ½ kg paneer cheese
• 1 tbsp oil
• ½ tsp garam masala

Cut paneer into bite-size cubes, heat oil in a shallow frying pan over medium heat, add the paneer cubes, sprinkle some garam masala and salt and fry to get an even colour and so they go a very light brown, drain over kitchen paper and keep aside.

Step 2/6

• 1 finely chopped onion
• 1½ tbsp butter
• 1½ tbsp cumin seeds
• ⅛ tsp asafoetida
• ½ dry red chilli
• 1½ bay leaves
• 1 green cardamom
• 1 black cardamom pods

In a wok add the oil, butter, dry red chilli, bay leaf, green and black cardamoms, before you add the cardamoms open them, once the oil is hot add the cumin seeds, asafoetida and the onions, sauté the onions till light brown.

Step 3/6

• ⅜ tbsp ground turmeric
• ½ tsp red chilli powder
• 1 tbsp kashmiri chilli powder
• ¾ tbsp kasoori methi

Now add in the turmeric powder, red chilli powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder, garam masala and kasoori methi, mix well and sauté for a minute. Crush the kasoori methi in between your hands before adding.

Step 4/6

• 147½ ml tomato purée (passata)
• ⅜ tsp honey
• salt to taste

Add the tomato puree, raw honey and salt, cook for about 10-15 minutes or until it leaves the sides checking every 2-3 minutes to prevent burning.

Step 5/6

• 1 tbsp finely chopped coriander

Add about a ¼ cup of water and cook for 3-5 minutes, then add the paneer cubes and chopped coriander. Mix well and cook for about 5 minutes.

Step 6/6

• 1½ slit green chillies

Add the slit chillies and stir well and serve hot with Tandoori Naans or rice.

Enjoy your meal!