Paneer 65

Paneer is always a regal favorite. It is really surprising that, with paneer as a main ingredient we can make umpteen number of recipes with different combination of masala and veggies. Paneer is definitely the best discovery ever made for the forever-starved vegetarians(including me). :-) Only that, it is pretty heavy on the tummy. So here is one such variety of paneer that I make occasionally! Why occasionally? Because it requires 6 table spoons of oil(gosh!). But it tastes heavenly though!

Ingredients:
1)Paneer - 1 cup(cubed)
2)Onion - 1 (medium, chopped)
3)Green chilli - 1(slit)
4)Curd - 6 tsps
5)Corn flour - 2 tsps
6)Maida or All purpose flour - 2 tsps
7)Kashmiri red chilli powder(Why Kashmiri? For the divine red color) - 1.5 tsp
8)Ginger paste - 1/2 tsp
9)Garlic - 6 pods(minced)
10)Coriander powder - 1 tsp
11)Salt - to taste
12)Garam Masala - a pinch
13)Oil - 6 tsps
14)Water - a little
15)Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tsp
16)Red Chilli/Tomato sauce - 1/4 tsp(optional, again this is added to get the color)
17)Lemon juice - 1/2 tsp

Preparation:
1)Add maida, corn flour, ginger paste, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala,  sauce, salt, curd and few tablespoons of water in a bowl and mix well. Make sure the mixture is not too thick.
2)Add the paneer cubes into the mixture & make sure the paneer cubes are coated completely.
3)Heat oil(3 to 4 tsps) in a non-stick flat pan & add the coated paneer cubes one by one, make sure the pan doesn't clog. When the paneer cubes turn slightly golden, flip the paneer cube over(yes, individually).
Note: The other option is to deep fry the coated paneer in good amount of oil. Since it is not a healthy option, I sauteed the cubes in little oil. You may go for deep frying if you are short of time.
4)Once sauteed, rest the paneer cubes over a tissue paper to get rid off the extra oil.
5)Take a pan, add 2 tsps of oil.
6)Add chopped onions, green chillies and the minced garlic - saute till onion turns translucent. Now add a spoonful of curd, a pinch of red chilli powder, salt, 1 tsp of water & mix well, let it cook for 2 minutes.
7)Add the sauteed paneer cubes & cook for 3 minutes.
8)Add 1/2 tsp of lemon juice at the end & mix well.

Paneer 65 is ready!

Tips:
1)You may add 1/2 tsp of 'chaat masala' to the mixture you make with curd. I have never tried this, but I have been told that the mixture tastes great with Chaat Masala in it.
2)You can also add curry leaves, when you fry the onions. It kinda gives a crispy texture to the recipe. (Completely optional)