Paneer Lababdar

Here’s a simple recipe for Paneer Lababdar, a popular Indian dish made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) in a creamy tomato-based gravy:

Ingredients:

For the Paneer:

• 200 grams paneer, cut into cubes
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Oil for shallow frying

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 inch cinnamon stick
• 2 green cardamom pods
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 large tomatoes, pureed
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, marinate the paneer cubes with turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Heat oil in a pan and shallow fry the paneer cubes until golden brown. Drain and set aside.
2. In the same pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and green cardamom pods and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
4. Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the mixture.
6. Add the cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a minute.
7. Add the heavy cream and mix well. Cook for a minute.
8. Add the fried paneer cubes and mix well. Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot with rice or naan.

Enjoy your delicious Paneer Lababdar!