How to make dhaba style Paneer Masala

Food blogger and Rediff reader Manasi Sadarangani, 23 shares a popular recipe.

Paneer Masala

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp ghee/butter
• 9 to 10 cubes paneer
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 bay leaf
• Paste of 1 onion
• 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
• Salt as per taste
• 1 cup tomato pulp
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2  tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder
• 1/2 cup curd
• 1/4 tsp garam masala powder
• 1/2 tsp kasuri methi
• 1 whole red chilli
• Coriander leaves for garnish
• Cashew paste/cream (optional)

Method

• In a large kadhai, heat ghee or butter.
• Add jeera, whole red chillies and bay leaf.
• When it splutters, add ginger garlic paste and onion paste.
• Saute well till colour changes to golden brown.
• Add tomato puree and saute well.
• Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder and salt as per taste.
• Saute on low flame till all spices are cooked well.
• Marinate paneer cubes with turmeric, red chilli powder and coriander powder.
• Add whisked curd and mix on a low flame.
• Boil the gravy for 2-3 minutes on low to medium flame.
• Add marinated paneer cubes and cover with a lid. Allow it to cook till paneer absorbs the spices.
• Add crushed kasturi methi.
• Garnish with coriander, red chillies (slightly warmed in oil) and serve hot.

Note: Always cook paneer dishes in butter or ghee. If you don't like curd, you may use fresh cream or cashew paste.

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