Paneer Bell Pepper masala

Paneer is my family's favorite..especially my kid's favorite. So I try and make a variety of dishes. I wanted to make something spicy this time. When I first made Paneer Bell Pepper masala ,it was liked so much by everyone that everyone ate couple of rotis more :) That my friends for me is the ultimate verdict whether the dish is a hit or a miss:) The combination of Paneer and Bell pepper works really well in this recipe.This recipe has been adapted and customized from the recipe that I found here. Serve Paneer Bell Pepper Masala with roti / naan/ or bread of your choice.

INGREDIENTS:

• Paneer : 400 gms cubed
• Bell Pepper (Capsicum) :1 Large or 1.5 cups thinly sliced (I used orange bell pepper, you can use any kind)
• Ginger Garlic paste : 2 tbsp
• Sliced Onions : 1 cup
• Coriander seeds : 6 tsp
• Dry red chillies : 6 (I used byadagi chillies)
• Tomato : 1/2 cup finely chopped
• Tomato puree: 1 cup
• Turmeric Powder : 1/2 tsp
• Garam masala: 1 tsp
• Kasoori Methi : 1.5 tsp + 0.5 tsp
• Cinnamon stick : 1 inch
• Green Cardamom : 1
• Bay leaf : 1
• Cream : 2 tbsp
• Cilantro leaves : 2 tbsp
• Salt as per taste
• Water ( approximately 1 - 1.5 cups)
• Butter : 2.5 tbsp (You can use oil instead or a combination of oil and butter)

PROCEDURE:

• Dry roast red chillies and coriander seeds. Once roasted, set it aside to cool. Later grind them in to a fine powder.

• Heat oil/butter in a thick bottomed pan. When the oil is hot, add the bayleaf, cinnamon and green cardamoms. Now add the ginger garlic paste and stir.

• Add the sliced onions and fry . Once the onions have turned translucent, add the chopped tomatoes and tomato puree and mix well.

• Add the powdered red chilli - coriander mix (the one that we prepared in step 1), turmeric powder and mix well. Saute till the oil starts to separate from the sides.

• Now add thinly sliced bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.

• Add the water. Now add  1.5 tsp of kasoori methi , garam masala and salt .Simmer for 7-8 minutes.

• Add cubed paneer and cook for another 2 minutes. 

• Towards the end, add cream and mix well. Let it cook for 2 minutes. Finally add chopped cilantro. Lastly sprinkle 0.5 tsp of kasoori methi .

• Serve hot with Roti/Naan or any bread of your choice.

HAPPY COOKING!!!