Achari Paneer Aur Kumbh Masala

Try this absolutely mesmerizing recipe ,loaded with the flavor of  Indian Pickle Spice-Mix…….

Cottage Cheese and Mushrooms cooked in rich and creamy Onion and Tomato Gravy, flavored with the Indian Pickle Spice-mix, sprinkled with Punjabi Garam Masala and garnished with thickly sliced onion.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients and Quantity:

Cottage Cheese (Paneer), into squares of desired thickness- 150 gm.

Mushroom (Kumbh), thoroughly washed, stem removed and sautéed till golden brown- 150 gm.

Onion, finely chopped-01 medium sized

Tomatoes, red, blanched, peel removed and pureed- 03 Large

Red Bell pepper, seeds removed and pureed – ½ no

Red chilli paste- 01 tsp.

Ginger paste- 3/4^th tsp.

Garlic paste -3/4^th tsp.

Yogurt, thick, whisked- 1/4^th cup

Salt- to taste

Honey, organic- ½ tsp./ or more as desired

Achari Masala (Indian Pickle Spice-mix)- 1/4^th tbsp. / or more as desired

For the Recipe of Indian Pickle Spice-mix (Achari Masala) click on the link:

Achari Masala

Asafoetida- a pinch

Cumin seeds- ½ tsp.

Refined Oil- ½ tbsp.

For the sprinkling:

Punjabi Garam Masala- 1/4^th tsp.

For the Garnish:

Onion, thickly sliced- 01 small

Method:

Heat oil in a heavy bottomed pan add cumin seeds let them splutter, add asafoetida. Add chopped onion, let them cook till golden brown.

Add ginger and garlic paste. Let it cook till the raw aroma disappears.

Add red chilli paste, sauté for 2 minutes, now add tomato puree, red bell pepper puree and the Achari masala. Let it cook till the oil is seen on the edges of the pan. Add whisked Yogurt. Stir and let it simmer for 05 minutes.

Add the Paneer and sautéed Mushrooms.

Add Punjabi Garam masala and ½ cup of hot water. Add honey. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Switch off the flame and serve very hot garnished with thickly sliced onion.

Goes best with Indian Flat Breads and Fragrant Steamed Rice.

Chef Tips:

1. You may sprinkle a little broiled dried fenugreek leaves (Kasoori Methi) before the dish is served.
2. You may drizzle fresh cream before serving it.
3. You may garnish it with finely chopped coriander leaves.