Veggie Foodie

Malai Paneer Cauliflower

Ingredients:

• 1 cup paneer (cottage cheese) 1 cm cubes
• 2 cups cauliflower florets (medium size)
• 1/2 cup malai (fresh cream / whipping cream)
• 1 tsp kasuri methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 8-10 almonds
• 8-10 cashew nuts
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 3-4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 tsp garam masala powder or cardamom powder, cinnamon powder and black pepper powder (1/3 tsp each)
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chilli powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 2 tbsp + 1 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• salt to taste
• 1 tbsp finely chopped coriander leaves

Method:

1. Soak cashew nuts and almonds in hot water for 20 minutes and grind them with 2 tablespoons water to make a smooth dry-fruit paste
2. Heat 1 tablespoons oil in non-stick pan over medium flame. Shallow fry paneer until its edges turn light brown. Drain and transfer to a plate
3. In the same pan, add 1 tbsp oil and stir-fry cauliflower till light brown and mostly cooked. Drain and transfer to a plate
4. Heat remaining 1-tablespoon oil in same pan. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until light brown. It will take approx. 1-2 minutes on medium flame. Add grated ginger and crushed garlic, sauté for a minute
5. Add red chilli powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder and salt; stir and sauté for approx 30 seconds
6. Add dry-fruit paste (prepared in step 1) and sauté for a minute
7. Add 1/2 cup water and let mixture boil over medium flame
8. When mixture starts to boil, reduce flame to low and add paneer and cauliflower, garam masala powder, dried fenugreek leaves and sugar
9. Mix and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Add cream over it
10. Mix cream with curry and cook for a minute or little less
11. Turn off the flame and transfer prepared malai paneer to serving bowl
12. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with any Indian bread (naan / paratha / roti)

Serves: 4

Inspiration source:

http://foodviva.com/curry-recipes/malai-paneer-recipe/

Remarks:

It turned out quite close to what we had had at Copper Chimney restaurant in Mumbai!