Fenugreek (Methi) Mattar Paneer

One of my earliest introductions to Indian cuisine became mattar paneer. The critical additives are gently pan-fried cubes of luscious paneer cheese and plump green peas gently simmered in a elegantly spiced tomato-primarily based gravy. The spicing, consistency of the sauce, and texture of the paneer vary greatly but, relying on the prepare dinner jogging the kitchen ? Obviously this can be a supply of enormous culinary suggestion if you judge by way of the recognition of this classic dish that originates from Northern India and now a mainstay on menus all across the globe.

This version has a thicker sauce than an regular mattar paneer, flavored with a generous quantity of fenugreek or methi leaves. This is my second mattar paneer flavored with those uniquely sour but tangy leaves. They're without problems available at any Indian and maximum Asian grocers, but you can substitute spinach if wished with an delivered pinch of fenugreek powder or seeds.

More paneer dishes you're certain to experience from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:

Massaman Curry with Paneer Cheese

Mattar Paneer with Fresh Mint

Mung Beans with Paneer Cheese

Paneer Mushroom Egg Muffins

These considerable yet mild and fluffy baked quiche cups are all of the more gratifying as they comprise an abundance of creamy paneer cheese and a few spicy goodness. I have to no longer forget about to mention the mushrooms which might be nestled in with the alternative delights. Bossy, no, but paneer makes its presence recognized right here, as do the mushrooms, however they know their location and assert it modestly.

So smooth to prepare and they make for a adorable appetizer or facet for dinner specifically while served with a salsa or chutney, an Indian dal soup and a few savory flat breads. They additionally manifest to be an remarkable brunch or breakfast desire. Feel free to regulate the spicing in step with your desire and through all manner encompass more chilies or jalapenos because when you bake them inside the oven, thinking about the egg and cheese component, the warmth is surely alternatively tempered.

I changed into in a rush, so for a fast topping for the muffins, I pulled some of my trusty "hearth paste" out of the refrigerator, put about a teaspoon of the mixture right into a small saucepan with a chopped tomato and a bit of salt and simmered that aggregate till thickened because I wanted a chunk greater of a kick as an choice for my dinner guests. No lawsuits from dining partners nor the prepare dinner for that matter.

More paneer and mushroom goodness from Lisa's Kitchen:

Paneer Mushroom Masala

Shredded Paneer with Tomatoes, Chilies, Mushrooms and Chickpeas

Wild Mushroom and Paneer Pilaf with Urad Dal

Paneer Cheese and Vegetables in a Creamy Gravy

Paneer Tomato Curry with Indian and Thai Flavors

More often than not, once I cook dinner with paneer cheese it commonly is an Indian-fashion dish, even though I did as soon as make a Thai Massaman curry with paneer cheese that honestly might be making an appearance again within the near destiny at the desk.

This time, I went with a fusion dish, blending up traditional Indian spicing with prominent Thai flavors. It become a in shape made in heaven.

As I changed into experimenting with one-of-a-kind flavors, I additionally experimented with the other components of the menu. I served it up with a few north African millet patties and classic tarka dal. The sauce of the paneer curry became scooped over a number of the millet patties and the tarka dal shone inside the legume function. It all labored and the cook dinner and her eating companions have been greater than glad.

Other paneer dishes you are positive to revel in from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:

Mung Beans with Paneer Cheese

Paneer Mushroom Masala

Butter Paneer Masala

Mattar Paneer

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Mung Dal Chila Paneer Wraps

There is some thing so very comforting about comfortable wraps of goodness. Most of the cuisines I am familiar with have conventional wrapped up delights and the cooks creativeness adds more flair to the plate. I went with an Indian topic for this meal as I regularly do, and made some Indian cr?Pes to serve with a quick and clean highly spiced paneer scramble.

I think this may be classified as "street food" however I've also loved bites like this, mainly while it comes from my kitchen. In fact, I made this meal, served in conjunction with a few spinach rice, for my first-rate buddy Basil's birthday.

It's pure comfort food, and actually rather clean to make up, though frying up the chila does take a bit of staying power, despite the fact that they are honest to prepare.

More paneer delights you are positive to experience:

Paneer Mushroom Masala

Mung Bean Paneer

Paneer Tikka Pizza on Naan Bread

Spicy Carrot Soup with Ginger and Paneer Cubes

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Paneer Cheese in an Aromatic Cashew Coconut Gravy (Paneer Korma)

Paneer cheese has a moderate taste and a gentle texture with a excessive melting point, making it the suitable vehicle to capture and bring spices and seasonings. Chunks of paneer cheese adds man or woman and substance to curries, and this one became no exception. Following in conjunction with my obsession with all matters coconut currently, I couldn't withstand raiding a block of paneer cheese from my inventory within the freezer and giving it the coconut treatment.

Here the multitude of vibrant spices is well tempered and particularly muted by nutty cashews, soothing coconut and luscious cheese. The paneer is lightly simmered in an fragrant cashew and tomato gravy with coconut milk with a few extra creaminess from rich Greek yogurt introduced near the stop of the cooking time. The play of flavor sensations is one you might not quickly neglect, and your kitchen will smell heavenly hours after dinner has been loved.

Don't let the rather long list of ingredients intimidate you. Really, it's far a straightforward dish to put together with minimal training.

More pleasurable paneer creations to stimulate the urge for food:

Paneer Mushroom Masala

Paneer Tomato Curry with Indian and Thai Flavors

Asparagus with Shredded Paneer and Tomato

Butter Paneer Masala

On the top of the reading stack: Dead Souls by Gogol

Audio Accompaniment: Nicolas Bacher

Spicy Carrot Soup with Ginger and Paneer Cubes

Carrots are one vegetable that I pretty plenty always have accessible. They keep for a terrific even as inside the refrigerator and can easily be tossed into salads, stews or soups, or just eaten raw with or without dip. I got to considering my clean bag of carrots and determined that carrots must shine as a centerpiece of the meal every now and then and so the concept of this elegant nourishing soup with plump, gently fried paneer cheese cubes changed into born and sooner or later gobbled. My husband declared it was in all likelihood the high-quality carrot soup he has ever eaten and, humble prepare dinner that I am, I have a tendency to agree.

If you want a vegan version, use oil and coconut milk instead of butter and cream and miss the paneer cubes and use croutons rather, such as these ever-famous polenta croutons (without the Parmesan), fried tofu cubes or some other addition that fits your fancy.

As is common with maximum soups, this one tastes even better day after today as letting it sit lets in the flavors to meld collectively for a good more gratifying curried flavor revel in. Simply reheat before serving.

More vegetable soups you are positive to revel in from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:

Creamy Beet Borscht

Curried Carrot and Lentil Soup with Cashews

Indian Tamarind, Carrot and Coconut Soup

Wild Mushroom Soup

Butter Paneer Masala (Cheese Cubes Smothered in a Spicy Tomato Gravy)

I've made some variations of this conventional highly spiced and buttery north Indian paneer cheese dish and I by no means tire of it. Next to mattar paneer, it is one in all my favourite methods to serve paneer when the yearning hits and an excellent manner to choose the exceptional of Indian restaurant services. I changed into stimulated to make this as part of a weekend meal for my husband and fine buddy Basil after getting my hands on some locally made water buffalo paneer that is the following best element to making your own cheese.

Take care now not to overcook the paneer when frying it up because you want a reasonably tender texture in order to absorb the spices and feature that soften-in-your-mouth sensation. As a great deal as I revel in vegan food, cheese isn't always something I am willing to give up, though I do devour it sparsely.

More ideas for paneer from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:

Shredded Paneer with Tomatoes, Chilies, Mushrooms and Chickpeas

Indian-Style Macaroni and Paneer Cheese with Spinach

Saffron-Marinated Paneer Cheese with Fresh Basil, Cashews and Pomegranate Seeds

Paneer Mushroom Masala

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Asparagus With Shredded Paneer and Tomato

While asparagus shines in all its glory with simple tastes which include butter, olive oil and seasonings consisting of salt and pepper ? And perhaps some smooth-cooked egg or cheese ? There are methods to dress it up without overpowering the unique flavor of this vegetable that is never in season long sufficient for my taste.

Inspired by the success of my asparagus pesto lasagna with mushrooms, I began to explore other creative recipes with this wonderful vegetable. Leave it to Raghavan Iyer to come up with some of the most interesting fusion Indian-style recipes that I have come across in addition to the treasure trove of traditional Indian recipes that grace the pages of all of his books. This one comes from one of my favorites — 660 Curries . It has occupied a treasured place on my cookbook shelves for a good many years now and long been considered a desert island keeper.

Here, mellow paneer cheese takes on the taste of a tangy tomato and lemon curry sauce and complements the asparagus with its smooth texture. Paneer is likewise perfect as it doesn't soften while you cook dinner it, in addition permitting the sparkling corporation chew and flavor of the asparagus to occupy a valuable function inside the dish. I distinctly advocate the use of selfmade curry powder for the curry ? It makes all of the distinction and it's clean to make up a small batch with a view to preserve in a nicely-sealed jar for numerous months.

Other inspiring asparagus creations from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen you're certain to enjoy:

Asparagus Pesto Lasagna with Mushrooms

Asparagus Mimosa

Warm Baby Potato and Asparagus Salad

Paneer and Pea Curry Smothered in a Cashew Tomato Gravy

Since I started out cooking Indian meals a few two decades in the past, quickly after becoming a vegetarian, paneer cheese curries were considered one of my most delightful discoveries. Whenever I acquired a new cookbook or when I browse thru proficient bloggers offerings, paneer dishes usually ended up bookmarked for future reference. One motive that I am now not a vegan might very well be luscious chunks of paneer cheese transformed into a spicy curry. I just cannot see myself giving that up, nor different valuable cheeses for that matter. Eggs I should do without, but no longer paneer, although it only seems on the menu each month or so.

My present day experiment, that became met with a good deal reward from my diners, changed into this paneer and green pea curry simmered in a clean and lightly spiced cashew and tomato gravy. Rich, sure, mainly if you fry your paneer in ghee or butter, but clean to digest and truly suit for royalty, even though it is truely easy to put together. As I regularly say, simplicity regularly consequences inside the most gourmand and fulfilling dishes as a way to grace your table. I dare say it's miles as appropriate as my conventional mattar paneer ? Maybe even higher.

More paneer goodness from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:

Mung Beans with Paneer Cheese

Paneer Cubes with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Butter Paneer Masala

On the top of the reading stack: 1,000 Indian Recipes (Small Print) by Neelam Batra

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Aloo Palak Paneer Pie

Pies appear to be the craze these days and I've noticed lots of cookbooks lately featuring each savory and sweet pies, occasionally mini ones and others becoming the greater traditional popular. This one is customized from a cookbook that I received to appearance over and I changed into without delay interested in a unique tackle aloo palak that includes the potato issue of this conventional Indian potato and spinach curry into a lovely crust. To make it even extra interesting, I brought some crumbled paneer cheese and a number of my preferred spices that are usually keen to greet me after I open the cabinet door.

Now, Pies and Tarts with Heart is a vegan book, but although I am quite smitten by many of the creative ideas for pies that are presented throughout the book — and adore vegan options besides — my initial complaint was the use of margarine in many of the recipes. This is not to say that I don't recommend the book, especially as oil and other alternatives could be used instead of margarine or vegetable shortening to keep it vegan. Vegetarian that I am, I substituted butter and yogurt in the crust with great success and look forward to trying more of the book's recipes, with an inspired take on the dishes that are presented between the covers.

Citrus pies, traditional pies with a vegan twist, move raw in case you please, or nutty or maybe creamy, or load them up with berries, nuts, vegetables or fruit. No count your dietary choices or cooking style, there are a very good many recipes to encourage you in the kitchen on this cookbook. The writing is informative and warm, much like your preferred pies, and the e-book is complete with adorable pictures with the intention to encourage numerous cooking classes.

I understand my husband and nice friend enjoyed their meal immensely, as did I, specially served along a few pappadums with an avocado pomegranate spiced dip.

Don't let the lengthy list of substances intimidate you. It definitely isn't always difficult to make, specifically if you plan in advance.

Other spinach dishes you are certain to revel in from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:

Mushroom, Lentil and Spinach Risotto

Spinach Pancakes with Lime Butter

Spiced Creamed Spinach (Malai Sak)

Quinoa Spinach Salad with Feta, Pomegranate and Toasted Almonds

On the top of the reading stack: Indian Cooking Unfolded: A Master Class in Indian Cooking, with 100 Easy Recipes Using 10 Ingredients or Less by Raghavan Iyer

Audio Accompaniment: Harold Budd

Baked Quinoa and Vegetable with Paneer Cheese

Luscious lightly fried cubes of paneer cheese proves to be a great accompaniment to nutty quinoa baked with combined veggies and tangy tomatoes. Included are a few fragrant spices and warm chili pepper for a chunk of warming heat. I typically preserve my dairy consumption to a minimal, but there are times when the longing for paneer turns into an excessive amount of to withstand. And if I make a paneer dish, I usually must invite my fine pal Basil for dinner, as it's far one in all his favorites. It turned out to be a fulfilling, filling and nourishing meal that I will be sure to make once more.

Next time I make this dish, I assume I will stir in a piece of lemon juice on the end of the cooking time to add a bit more zest to the dish.

Other quinoa recipes from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:

Baked Quinoa Falafel Bites

Curried Quinoa Salad with Lentils and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Curried Quinoa and Wild Rice Savory Cakes

Chickpea Quinoa Pumpkin Burgers

Paneer Mushroom Curry with Mixed Vegetables and Green Peas

Paneer cheese is a famous unripened cheese in India made with complete milk. It has a consistency this is truly like tofu, simplest softer and creamier and with a moderate milky taste. Although it does now not have tons flavor when eaten simply as is, I by no means can withstand nibbling on a few cubes even as prepping it for a meal. Because of the slight flavor, it goes well with strong highly spiced dishes. The cheese is used in lots of methods, and because it does now not melt while cooking, it takes on the flavors of the dish it's far cooked in superbly. Often it's far cut into cubes and fried to barely brown earlier than adding it. Sometimes paneer is even shredded and I've frequently tossed it right into a dish with out frying it ahead of time, as I did with this recipe. It functions in vegetable dishes, soups, is going well with rice, may be made into fried savories, and even be served as a dessert.

Paneer cheese isn't always hard to make at home and without problems available at Indian grocery shops. It also freezes nicely, which means you can inventory up so you have it handy whilst needed.

As an awful lot as I enjoy vegan food, paneer cheese can not be resisted. It is likewise a precious source of protein, pretty filling, and the feel is a pride to the palate. It is reasonably rich, so I resist the temptation to serve it too often. In this situation, the gentle paneer capabilities with mushrooms, veggies and spices for a maximum flavorful meal that goes specially properly over a bed of warm sparkling cooked rice.

Note: You can also use cooking cream in this recipe, however as it's far an already wealthy dish, I used coconut milk rather for an additional unique silky touch.

More paneer recipes from Lisa's Kitchen to try:

Butter Paneer Masala (Cheese Cubes Smothered in a Spicy Tomato Gravy)

Curried Red Kidney Beans with Paneer (Paneer Rajma)

Mung Bean Paneer

Paneer and Spinach in a Spicy Tomato Sauce with Chickpeas (Paneer Palak)

On the pinnacle or the reading stack: Fuss-Free Vegan: 101 Everyday Comfort Food Favorites, Veganized

Palak Paneer (Spinach with Paneer Cheese)

Palak paneer (or saag paneer) is a very popular North Indian dish that frequently appears on menus at some point of the sector. Succulent portions of paneer cheese are served up with creamy cooked spinach and a blend of spices. I adore this dish and as with most dishes that may be loved at restaurants, there is nothing finer than making your very own model at home.

There is a diffused distinction between the terms palak and saag, even though this dish is every so often served as palak paneer and at other times as saag paneer. Palak means spinach, whereas saag can mean any mixture of vegetables, which can include spinach however additionally mustard vegetables and fenugreek leaves as an example. There are many versions of the dish and I've provided a honest one that takes little or no time to make and pairs nicely with other dishes. No matter what you want to call it, this favored is famous for a cause. Just try it and spot and test according to your tastes.

Other paneer dishes to enjoy from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:

Aloo Palak Paneer Pie

Curried Red Kidney Beans with Paneer (Paneer Rajma)

Butter Paneer Masala (Cheese Cubes Smothered in a Spicy Tomato Gravy)

Classic Mattar Paneer

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Mali Kofta (Potato and Paneer Kofta in a Rich Tomato Cream Sauce)

Mali kofta is a traditional north Indian dish of potato and paneer cheese dumplings served up in a highly spiced cream-based totally tomato gravy. If that doesn't sound attractive, I don't know what's! But it is a wealthy dish so one which you can need to reserve for unique activities or surely when you need to pamper your self. Although I have honestly have reduce down my consumption of dairy, paneer cheese continues to be quite an awful lot irresistible to me.

The sauce may be made in advance of time and reheated lightly before serving. If it thickens up an excessive amount of, add a few water. Alternately, if it's too watery, whisk in a piece greater corn starch (or arrowroot flour). As this dish is wealthy sufficient as it's far, I determined to bake the koftas rather than deep-frying them after which delivered the koftas to the gravy afterwards in order that the smooth koftas did no longer smash apart. It is absolutely an addictive dish, and one which I could be revisiting in destiny, as this recipe went over thoroughly with my diners.

Other delicious kofta recipes to attempt from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:

Spicy Baked Chickpea Koftas

Chickpea Potato Koftas with Ricotta Cheese

Baked Chickpea Kofta Tacos with Avocado and Harissa

Vegetarian Samosa Cakes with Tamarind Chutney

Chickpea and Paneer Tomato Curry

I've often concept of adopting a vegan weight-reduction plan, but there are just a few matters that I would sorely miss and paneer cheese is really at the pinnacle of that listing. Here luscious cubes of soft paneer and plump buttery chickpeas are spiced and cozied up with tomatoes and herbs. The gravy virtually brings out the goodness of the crucial components in this enjoyable dish. Paneer continually pairs so properly with any number of legumes, and we have to no longer overlook the spice.

It does not get tons higher than this.

Other dishes featuring paneer from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen to strive:

Aloo Palak Paneer Pie

Paneer Cheese in an Aromatic Cashew Coconut Gravy (Paneer Korma)

Paneer Tikka Pizza on Naan Bread

Mung Bean Paneer

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Audio Accompaniment: Nicolas Bacher

Miso Noodle Soup with Mixed Vegetables and Paneer

Asian and Indian flavors come together right here for one nourishing and stunning bowl of soup. White shiro miso nestles up with soft plump golden brown cubes of fried paneer cheese and loads of greens ? Snap peas, mushrooms, bean sprouts, pink pepper, corn and kale. To fill it out even similarly, rice noodles make an appearance for a further creamy bowl of bliss. My husband requested if I used coconut milk here, however it wasn't even essential, as a great deal as I adore adding coconut to soups and grains.

Miso provides a uniquely earthy and salty taste to soup shares, and it's an clean manner to add plenty of protein on your soups as properly. This is likewise a remarkable soup for the usage of pretty much any mixture of veggies you might have reachable.

Notes: I used two ears of fresh corn for this recipe. I roasted the corn in their husks directly on the middle oven rack for 30 minutes at 375°. When cool, remove the husks and shave the corn off the cob with a sharp knife. Roasting the corn helps bring out its natural sweetness. Frozen corn can also be used here — simply thaw it before adding it to the soup.

If you want to maintain it vegan, fried tofu might be utilized in location of the paneer.

Other miso primarily based soups to enjoy from Lisa's Kitchen:

Miso Soup with Wild Mushrooms

Mushroom, Miso and Seaweed Soup

Miso Vegetable Soup

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Curried Red Kidney Beans with Paneer (Paneer Rajma)

One of my all time preferred dishes, in particular fun in the course of the wintry weather months, is rajma, a sturdy north Indian traditional presenting plump purple kidney beans in a thick and highly spiced tomato gravy. Just as there are infinite methods to prepare Mexican-stimulated chili stews ever so popular within the Western international, there are likewise many variations on the rajma subject.

This precise model elevates the rajma revel in a level because it contains succulent cubes of paneer cheese into the combination making for a considerably greater filling dish this is especially specific and pleasurable. In addition to including texture, paneer acts as a vehicle for the aromatic spices, similarly enhancing the dining experience.

Consider serving this when cooking for a bigger crowd. It's continually been a famous dish with my own family and buddies and is ideally entire while served with Indian flatbreads, vegetable aspects and rice.

The recipe I present right here is stimulated with the aid of Lord Krishna's Cuisine by means of Yamuna Devi. This substantial cookbook changed into my first actual advent to Indian cooking, and I especially suggest it to both amateur and veteran cooks alike. I've proficient it and recommended the e-book on a range of events and some of my dinner guests have purchased the book after tasting a number of my creations inspired with the aid of the scrumptious recipes contained inside. I regularly check with it as the bible of Indian cooking as the recipes are smooth to follow, although they range in complexity, and a huge sort of traditional Indian dishes are provided. With almost 800 pages, recipes for beans and legumes, grain, breads, greens, cheese, chutneys and sauces, snacks and chocolates, and liquids, in addition to a totally beneficial glossary of phrases and definitions are provided up.

As I even have mentioned earlier than, I commonly choose cookbooks with masses of photographs, but the little illustrations at some point of this book ? In conjunction with distinct descriptions previous every phase and recipe, serving pointers and facts regarding the origins and traditions of the dishes provided ? Extra than atone for the lack of photos.

Notes: Ajwain seeds and paneer cheese are easily available at any Indian or Asian grocer, but ajwain seeds can be substituted with a few extra cumin seeds and a pinch or two of dried thyme. Paneer cheese has a consistency much like tofu, only it's made from whole milk rather than bean curd, and is much tastier, rather like a firm version of cottage cheese. If you can't find paneer, consider making it yourself. The dish can be made without the paneer, though its presence is highly recommended.

Other rajma recipes to try:

Classic Kidney Bean Curry

Potato and Mint Rajma

Spicy Kidney Beans in a Tomato and Yogurt Sauce

Paneer Kalimirch (Paneer Cheese with a Coconut Milk, Onion and Cashew Gravy with Black Pepper and Spices)

Although many of my most important meals are vegan, I can never face up to the attraction of succulent paneer cheese for too long. The cheese does not have a whole lot of taste on its very own ? Even though I do revel in snacking on little bites of it whilst I prep a dish ? But paneer is a great automobile for taking over the spices and seasonings present in a dish. It has a texture much like corporation tofu, however it's real cheese without the soya. There actually isn't any substitute, however in case you need to make it vegan, then use cubes of organization tofu alternatively.

Traditionally, this dish of paneer cheese simmered in a thick flavorful onion and cashew gravy is made with cream or yogurt, however as there was already cheese inside the dish, I decided to combine matters up and use coconut milk as an alternative to reduce down on the richness. The coconut milk nonetheless ended in a creamy gravy and it changed into just as scrumptious as dairy alternatives. It's such an easy dish to put together and pan-frying paneer beforehand of adding it to the dish makes no sense on this instance. Just cube it and upload it to the highly spiced gravy. As for the spice element, it on the lower aspect of the spectrum in phrases of heat, but as continually, maximum Indian dishes are forgiving, so regulate the spicing to suit your preference and add more onion to the paste if that is for your flavor.

Other paneer dishes from Lisa's Kitchen you're positive to revel in:

Kidney Beans in a Slowly Simmered Tomato Sauce with Shredded Paneer (Rajma)

Indian-Style Macaroni and Paneer Cheese with Spinach

Massaman Curry with Paneer Cheese

Saag Paneer (Palak Paneer)

I'm sharing this with Jacqueline's Meat Free Mondays. Each week Monday, Jac highlights a number of the submissions from the week earlier than.

On the top of the reading stack: Vegan Everyday: 500 Delicious Recipes

Audio: sweet silence for a change