Cuisine : Golden Cottage Cheese (Swarnali Paneer)- How to prepare

 

Introduction:
"Swarnali Paneer" or Golden Cottage Cheese is a rich, aromatic North Indian-inspired dish where soft cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) are gently fried and simmered in a luxurious, mildly spiced gravy. The curry gets its signature golden hue and subtle nuttiness from a blend of roasted spices, coconut milk, and nuts. It's perfect for festive occasions or a special vegetarian main course.

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Ingredients:

• Paneer (cottage cheese)
• Roasted spice blend (ground roasted peanuts, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, poppy seeds, white sesame seeds)
• Tomato purée
• Grated or paste of fresh ginger
• Kashmiri red chilli powder
• Coconut milk
• Thick sour curd (yogurt)
• Garam masala
• Almonds
• Salt and sugar (to taste)
• Green chillies
• White oil (refined oil)
• Cherry tomatoes
• Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
• Dry red chillies (for tempering)

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Method:

1. Heat oil in a pan and lightly fry the paneer cubes until they turn golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same oil, temper with dry red chillies.
3. Add ginger paste and chopped green chillies, sauté for a few seconds.
4. Add tomato purée and beaten sour curd. Cook until the oil separates and the mixture thickens.
5. Add the roasted spice blend, a little Kashmiri red chilli powder, and stir well.
6. Pour in coconut milk as needed to adjust the consistency of the gravy.
7. Mix in garam masala and chopped coriander leaves, stirring gently.
8. Add the fried paneer and mix until well coated.
9. Garnish with slivered almonds and cherry tomatoes before serving.

Serving Suggestion:
Serve hot with naan, paratha, or steamed basmati rice for a delightful meal.