This is one of my favourite Indian dishes to make, especially for company. It is adapted from Madhur Jaffrey's 'Indian Flavour' cookbook.
Mattar Paneer
Homemade cheese with green peas
Serves 6
12 oz paneer (I buy it at Ainee's on Jeanne D'Arc or Asian Food Store on Place D'Orleans)
chopped into small cubes
Fry 2 onions, chopped until golden brown and fragrant. Add 1 tsn garlic paste, 2 tsn ginger paste and fry for another 30 seconds.
Add spices: 1 tsn turmeric, 2 tsn ground cumin, 2 tsn coriander, 1 tsn paprika, 1/2 tsn hot chili powder (optional), and 1 tsn garam masala and 1 lg can diced tomatoes and fry until some oil starts to separate.
Stir in 2 tbsn minced cilantro, 2 cups frozen green peas, salt to taste and the paneer.
Stirfry another minute, then add 1 cup water and 1 cup yogurt or half n half.
Bring to a boil, cover and cook for another 10 minutes or until peas are tender and you have a thick, aromatic sauce. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped cilantro over top before serving.
Over basmati rice is ideal with a good chutney on the side ...
