Peas and Paneer

I have a friend who always argues with me about authenticity when I try and alter recipes to make them healthier and lighter (in terms of calories) while still trying to retain the flavour !!! Keeping her in mind,I refrain from calling this dish 'Mattar Paneer'...as it does not contain the usual ingredients that the name evokes...but it's a tried and tested family favourite,so I share with you...whatever you may want to call it,is fine with me !!! :))

The combination of the tomatoes works so well with the sweetness of fresh peas set off by the richness of the cottage cheese...I do at times,refrain from lightly browning the paneer and add them in as is,that doesn't alter the taste of the gravy in any way...but while posting pictures on the blog...golden cubes of paneer do look more delicious ;)))

Serve this with hot rotis or a simple spiced pulao...for those single people living and working abroad...who are way too tired to make rotis in the eve...make this over the weekend,it goes well with crusty breads too !!!

sweet peas-boiled

Lightly fried cubes of paneer

Light and yummy Peas and Paneer gravy

Recipe-serves 4
Paneer-180 g-cubed
Peas-cooked 200g
Tomatoes-8 ripe
Onions-2 big
Ginger-1/4 inch piece-peeled and chopped
Garlic-2 cloves
Cinnamon-a small bit
Green chillies-3 or 4 -slit and de-seeded(optional)
Coriander leaves-2 Tbsp-chopped fine
chili powder,turmeric powder,salt,oil
Method
Add the tomatoes,onion,ginger and garlic to a pot,add water and let it come to a boil,leave it to simmer for 5 mts ,then set it aside to cool.
Once cooled,blend it with the cinnamon to a puree' and strain.
In a non stick pan...add a tbsp of oil and lightly fry the paneer cubes,a few at a time,without over crowding the pan,the paneer tends to stick and splutter,so take your time...this is entirely optional !
Set aside.

Keep the cooked peas aside...if you are using cooked,frozen peas,you can add them directly when the gravy is boiling away.

In a pan,heat a tsp of oil,add the green chillies, the tomato puree' and stir,add half a cup of water,the chili powder,turmeric powder and salt and let it come to a boil...after about 8 minutes,check for seasoning...add a bit of sugar/jaggery if the tomatoes are very sour.
Once the puree' is well cooked and the aroma arises another 6 mts or so,add in the paneer cubes,the peas and the coriander leaves.
Check again for seasoning and cook until required consistency....some prefer their gravies fairly thick !
This recipe is quite versatile ,so feel free to add your own twist to it !!!