Paneer Mushroom Curry:

Paneer Mushroom Curry is a delectable dish that combines two beloved ingredients from Indian cuisine: paneer (cottage cheese) and mushrooms. This dish features tender paneer cubes and earthy mushrooms cooked in a rich and aromatic gravy, typically made with a blend of onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and a medley of Indian spices.

The paneer adds a creamy and slightly tangy element to the dish, while the mushrooms impart a meaty texture and absorb the flavors of the spices and seasonings. The combination of these two ingredients creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that appeal to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

Paneer Mushroom can be prepared in various ways, ranging from dry or semi-dry stir-fries to creamy and indulgent curries. It can be enjoyed as a hearty main course dish accompanied by rice, roti (Indian flatbread), or naan, or served as a flavorful side dish in a traditional Indian meal.

Whether you’re a fan of paneer, mushrooms, or both, Paneer Mushroom is sure to tantalize your taste buds with its rich, aromatic, and satisfying flavors, making it a popular choice in Indian vegetarian cuisine.

Ingredients:

• 200g paneer, cubed
• 200g mushrooms, sliced
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped or pureed
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 green chili, finely chopped (adjust according to spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee (clarified butter)
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chili. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
4. Add chopped tomatoes or tomato puree. Cook until the tomatoes turn soft and oil starts separating from the masala.
5. Add coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
6. Add sliced mushrooms to the masala mixture. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and cooked through.
7. Once the mushrooms are cooked, add paneer cubes to the pan. Gently mix them with the mushroom masala, being careful not to break the paneer pieces.
8. Sprinkle garam masala over the curry and give it a final mix.
9. Cover the pan and let the curry simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves.
11. Serve hot with rice, roti (Indian flatbread), or naan.

Enjoy the creamy and flavorful Paneer Mushroom Curry as a main course dish in your vegetarian Indian meal!