Paneer or Cottage Cheese in Red Curry

Paneer or Cottage Cheese in Red Curry

Ingredients: Serves 2

• 150 Gms Paneer cut into cubes ( you can make this at home or easily buy it at any Indian grocery store)
• 2 medium sized tomatoes- blended to a puree (I often use ready made tomato paste for this makes it quick & easy or a can of peeled tomatoes) 
• 1 large onion finely chopped or blended to a paste
• 1-2 tbsp. Oil
• 2 tsp. Cumin powder
• 2-3 tsp. Coriander powder
• ½ 
  tsp. Chilli powder (add more to make it hot)
• ¼
   tsp. Turmeric Powder
• 2 tsps. Garam Masala or Meat Masala powder
• 2 tbsps. Ginger-Garlic Paste
• 1-2tsp. Cumin seeds
• Salt to taste
• Water for cooking

Method:

1. Heat oil in a large pan. Add cumin seeds. Let them splutter
2. Add the finely chopped onions. Sauté till they are translucent. Add ginger-garlic paste. Cook for 5 -7 minutes.  
3. Add the tomato gravy, red chili and turmeric powder. (If you are using tomato paste use about 2 tbsps. paste with some water)
4. Cook the mixture till oil starts to separate from the sides. This will take time, so make sure you use a slightly big pan & also don't add much water. Usually takes 7-8 mins, partially cover the pan if it starts to splutter, keep stirring the gravy on medium to low heat.
5. In the mean while you can add some oil & fry the paneer pieces in another pan,  till they are golden brown
6. Once the oil starts to seperate from the mixture, add the cumin & coriander powder and let everything cook for another 5 minutes on medium to high heat. 
7. Turn the heat down and add some water.
8. Add the paneer cubes. Mix well. Add the meat masala or garam masala powder and salt to taste. 
9. Check seasoning and cover to cook on a very low heat for 5-10 minutes. Check & stir occasionally making sure you dont break the paneer pieces. 
10. Add some water if you want more gravy. 

Serve with hot rotis or Lebanese flat bread and some sliced onion.