Real Life Recipes

Crumbled Paneer Masala
As prepared by Geeta Maini - Feb 25

Crumbled Paneer Masala – Sukha Paneer

Ingredients
1 pkt          ricotta cheese (about 11/2 lb)
5 tbsp.       oil
1 tsp.        cumin seeds
1               onion, medium, finely chopped
1/2 tsp.      garlic, fresh, minced
3/4 cup      tomatoes, fresh finely chopped
1               green chillie pepper, finely chopped
1 tsp.         salt, or to taste
11/2  tsp.    coriander powder
1/2 tsp.       chilli powder
1/2 tsp.       turmeric powder
1/2 tsp.       garam masala
    fresh coriander, chopped, for garnish

Directions
•    Prepare the ricotta cheese. Remove from the plastic wrap and wrap the block in paper   towels to soak up any excess whey. Set aside while cooking the masala.
•    Heat oil in a saute pan on medium heat. Add the cumin seeds. When they begin to sizzle, add the onions and garlic. About 7-10 mins.
•    Fry until soft and translucent. Add tomatoes, green chillie and the spices except for the garam masala. Mix and stir well. Lower the heat to medium and cook covered for 5 minutes to blend the  tomatoe and onion mixture with the spices.
•     Crumble the ricotta and add it to the masala. Mix well, cover and cook for 15 minutes stirring occasionally. The oil will have separated a little from the paneer mixture.
•    Sprinkle with coriander and garam masala.
•    Serve as an accompaniment with a daal, raitha and parathas.

Serves 6-8 people.

Suggestions
•   It is preferable to use home made paneer. However, I have opted for store bought ricotta             for convenience not compromising on the taste or quality of the paneer.    
•   For added flavour and colour, sauté a cup of chopped red bell pepper with the tomatoes.
•   This dish can be made ahead and also frozen. Leftovers can be used in a sandwich wrap, toasted sandwich or even as stuffing mixture for paneer spring rolls or samosas.