Indian Recipes from Anita via Mom

Here is a recipe I have actually made. I learned it in my Indain cooking class taught by a very charming and fun young Indian lady named Anita. I will add recipes every once in a while. It may be hard to find an Indian store that sells these spices so good luck.

Paneer Makhani (Cottage chees with tomatoes, *capsicum, and cream)
serves 4-5

Ingredients:
250 grams (about 1 cup)Paneer cubed- this is a cheese that looks like a feta but is firmmer so it can be fried. I am not sure what exactly you can find in USA.
2 medium size capsicums*green bell peppers cut into 1 inch pieces
4-5 tblsp chopped tomatoes ( can use canned diced or whole about 1/2 cup)
1 large onion grated or chopped finely
1 1/2 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp cumin seed powder
1/4 tsp tumeric powder
1/2 tsp red chili powder
3-4 tblsp cream
3 tblsp oil
salt to taste
oil for frying

Fry cheese cubes in a couple of inches of oil (make sure it is roon temp or dry or it will spit oil )
Put to the sideon paper towels to drain.
Heat 3 tblsp oil and the onions until a pink color.
While onions are frying blend the tomatoes in a blender then keep to the side for later.
When onions are ready add the powdered spices (coriander,cumin,tumeric, red chili) stirring for 1 minute then add the tomatoes and mash and stir for 5 minutes or until oil floats on top.
Add peppers, and salt and cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
Finally add the Paneer(cheese) and cook covered for 7-10 minutes more.
Once you see there is no water and the sauce is thick empty into a serving bowl and pour the cream on top to decorate. Serve with rice and or Naan bread.


It looks like a lot of work but it is reaally pretty simple. As with most of the Indian recipes there are a lot of steps and they all take place at the same time but if you organize a little before you start the cooking it isn't too bad.