Paneer Kaju masala

Paneer is Indian cottage cheese. It is made by curdling the milk. You can make Paneer at home or simply use store bought one. It is available in Indian stores. Paneer Kaju masala is a delicious preparation made by cooking paneer in Cashew tomato gravy with  addition of spices. It goes well with Pulao, roti or Chapathi.

Paneer is rich in proteins and fats.Also a good source of calcium.You can use low fat paneer to cut down calories.

This recipe is a very simple and quick to do with few ingredients.I used to get this curry along with Roti from a restaruent back in my home town.It tastes very yummy but with loads of oil and spices :-).My recipe uses all these ingredients moderately still keeping it delicious.I have used cashews moderately based on portion size. Bit you can use more if you wish. This will increase thickness. Also adjust garam masala according to your taste.I have cut the paneer into small pieces since I like em that way but you can cut it into any size or shape.I have used roma tomatoes in this recipe but you can use any tomatoes.Roma tomatoes usually are little smaller.Adjust garam masala according to your taste.My recipe is mildly spicy.Also the typical recipe is loaded with fried cashew halves. But I used only few. You can add more if you like.

Servings:
Two (2)
Total time:
35-40 minutes
Category:
Tofu/Paneer dishes
Author:
Praveena Gudipati

Ingredients: (I use US standard measuring; 1cup=8oz=250ml)
1/2 block paneer
10 cashew halves 
1 tablespoon chilli powder
1/4-1/2 teaspoon garam masala
Coriander leaves
3 tablespoons oil
Salt to taste

To make a Paste:
1/2 onion
2 tomatoes
About 15 whole cashews

Paneer Kaju masala step-by-step Recipe 

1. Soak the cashews in warm water for 15-20 minutes,to make a paste.
2. Chop onions and tomatoes into medium size pieces.
3. Cut the paneer block into small cubes. You can cut them into any size or shape you like. 
4. Take a teaspoon oil in a pan and fry the cashew pieces till they are slightly brown.Keep em aside.I have used pre roasted cashew pieces.
5. In the same pan take a tablespoon oil. Sautee onions till translucent.Add tomatoes to the vessel and cook till soft.
6. Transfer onion tomato mixture to a wide plate and let it cool down.
7. Blend onion, tomato and cashes to a smooth puree.
8. Take 2 tablespoon oil in the vessel.Add cumin seeds. 
9. Add paneer pieces next. Let em cook for couple minutes. You can also let pieces fry till they get a brown crust.
10. Add the puree.
11. Add turmeric, salt, chilli powder and garam masala. Stir in everything. Add water to the mixture if it is too thick. 
12. Cook till oil floats to top. 
13. Finally add fried cashew pieces and coriander leaves and turn off the stove.
14. Transfer to a serving dish.
15. Serve it with Roti, Pulao or coconut rice.
    

Related Recipes:

• Butter Paneer masla
• Paneer tikka Masala
• Paneer Bhurji
• Palak Paneer
• Coconut Pulao
• Jeera rice (Cumin rice)