Paneer Makhani

Paneer Makhani

Paneer Makhani is a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults adore, making it a staple for parties and gatherings. While we all love this rich, flavorful dish, it is often seen as labor-intensive to make at home. I’m excited to share a simplified recipe that eliminates the hassle, while maintaining that authentic, restaurant-quality taste and presentation. Follow these easy steps to serve up a decadent Paneer Makhani right from your own kitchen!

                                                                       

                                                                                          

Ingredients:

4 medium red tomatoes, pureed (or one 8 oz can of tomato puree)

500g Paneer (cottage cheese), cut into 1-inch cubes

1/4 cup cashew powder

2 tsp freshly grated ginger

1/4 tsp green chillies, finely chopped

Salt to taste

1 tsp red chilli powder

2 tsp butter

2 tsp cooking oil

1 tsp honey

1/4 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

Whole spices: 2–3 cloves, 1/4 tsp cumin seeds, 1-inch cinnamon stick, 3–4 green cardamom seeds

2 tsp garam masala powder

2 tsp freshly chopped coriander leaves for garnish

Method:

1. Heat 2 tsp butter , add 2 tsp oil and add in the whole spices, saute cashew powder. Add in tomato puree.

Continue to saute, add ginger garlic, green chilies, honey, salt, red chili powder. Stir to form a paste.

2. Add in garam masala and heavy cream. 

3. Allow gravy to simmer, check for salt. Add 1/2 cup water and continue to cook. After few minutes, add in cubed paneer and cover to cook for another 5 to 6 minutes. Garnish with freshly cut coriander leaves, kasoori methi and or splash of cream.

Enjoy with thinly sliced onions, and tandoor garlic naan. ( Naan is available in Indian stores and even in Trader joe's, Safeway, etc)

Pizza Toast

Pizza sauce prepared at home, is my family's favourite sauce, my kids love to eat this sauce by itself,without bread :))
 This sauce stores well in the refrigerator. 

Pizza Toast

                                                         

Arrange sauce onto the bread slices

Cooking onions and tomatoes for pizza sauce 

  

Ingredients
4  medium size red onions chopped finely
3  cloves of garlic peeled and chopped finely
4 to 5 medium sized tomatoes chopped finely

Salt as per taste
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp red chilli powder
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp  dried oregano
1/4 tsp carom seeds (available in grocery store)
2 finely chopped fresh basil leaves
4 tsp olive oil
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese




Method
1. Heat oil in a medium pan. As it heats add in carom seeds,onions, garlic and finely chopped green capsicum and sauté on medium heat for few minutes , as onions turn soft and transparent , add in seasoning salt,red chilli powder,add in veggie stock,allow mixture to sizzle for few minutes, next add in tomato puree. Allow sauce to simmer on medium heat for another 10 minutes.
Check for seasoning. Add oregano and sugar to offset the tartness of  tomatoes. Lastly add in finely chopped basil leaves. The ready sauce stores well for about a week refrigerated. It's perfect when kids come home hungry from school or for any other snack time.

Other favourite Veggie toppings (optional)
Sliced red onions
Thinly sliced green bell peppers(or red,orange colour)
Jalapenos (chilli peppers)
Mushrooms
Olives
 shredded cheese
Pineapple
Broccoli
Non veg options
chicken or sausage pizza