Dhaba Style Masala Paneer or Punjabi Paneer Masala

And we continue enjoying Indian food!

Another easy, yet complex in flavors paneer dish. I'm still amazed how with the same ingredients, but different proportions the dishes are totally different!

Dhaba Style Masala Paneer or Punjabi Paneer Masala 

250 gms Paneer in cubes 

1 Onion chopped 

Ginger 2.5 cm

4 garlic cloves garlic

4 tomatoes blended

3/4 cup Yogurt 

3 tbsp Besan 

1.5  tspKasoori methi 

4 pods Green cardamom 

1 tsp Red chilli powder 

1 tsp Turmeric powder 

1 tsp Coriander powder freshly crushed

1 Star anise 1 

3 Bayleaf 

5 Cloves 

Cinnamon 1 inch

2 Green chilli in slices

Oil

Butter

1/2 cup of Water (or as needed)

For Masala: 

1 tsp Jeera 

1 tsp Coriander seeds 

5 Black pepper 

1 tsp Fennel seeds 

In a pan, toast masala ingredients. Place them in a mortar and crush them. Set aside.

Fry the paneer cubes. Set aside.

In a bowl, mix yogurt with red chilli powder, turmeric powder,  besan, kasoori methi,  and coriander powder. Mix it well. Let it rest for 1 hour.

In a pan, place some oil and heat it. Add bayleaf, cinnamon, green chilli, cloves, black pepper, green cardamom, star anise. Simmer it for five minutes.Add chopped onion, ginger and garlic. Cook them until they are translucent. Add the yogurt mix and the masala seeds. Let it cook for 5 minutes. Add blended tomato puree and cook it for 7 minutes. Add water and salt, and mix it until you have a creamy mixture. Add some butter, and the paneer. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. ENJOY!!