Shahi paneer masala

Shahi paneer masala is a creamy rich gravy made with cottage cheese. It has a distinct flavour of the select Indian spices and is eaten with flat breads.

Here, I have simplified its making without compromising the taste.  

Ingredients:

Cottage cheese/paneer - 100 gm

Chopped onions - 2 cup

Green chillies - 1

Garlic pods - 7 to 8

Turmeric powder - 1 tsp

Cardamom - 2

Cloves - 2

Cashew nuts - 1/4 cup

Fresh curd - 1 cup

Fresh cream - 1 tbsp (optional)

Dried frenugreek leaves - 1 tsp

Kitchen king masala powder - 2 tsp

Chopped coriander leaves - 2 tsp

Oil and salt to taste

Method:

Heat a griddle or tava. Grease it with little oil. Toast the paneer on both the sides. Cool and cut into small rectangle pieces. keep it aside.

In a frying pan, fry the cashew nuts. Remove and keep aside. In the same pan fry half the onions, green chillies and garlic till it is well cooked. Need not brown them. Cool and grind them along with the fried cashew nuts to fine paste. Keep it aside.

In the same pan, add little oil and fry the cardamom and cloves. When it emits sweet flavour, add the balance onion. Fry the onions till it turns translucent. Then, add the turmeric powder, salt and dried fenugreek leaves. Fry for few seconds. Take care not to burn the leaves. Next, add the kitchen king masala and curd in quick succession. Finally, add the toasted paneer pieces. Cook for a minute. Stir in the fresh cream. Switch off the flame. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

P.S. Butter can also be used instead of oil to make the gravy rich.