Paneer Jalfrezi/Cottage cheese in spicy tangy sauce with bell peppers and onion

uite unlike the super-star butter paneer masala which is practically synonymous with Indian cuisine, the jalfrezi is mellow but very much like any Indian curry. It has a burst of flavors, is full of aromatic spices with an exotic taste that is bound to take you by surprise. Cubes of succulent home made cheese are simmered in a fragrant garlic tomato sauce with loads of colorful peppers and freshly ground spices that will make you mop your plate clean and ask for more. Unlike a few other paneer dishes this one is not very rich or laden with butter and cream to make it tasty.

A common dhaba dish all over India ~ dhaba is a Indian equivalent to the American road-side diner. Known for its rustic, simple, basic, inexpensive yet flavorful original dishes and very popular among long distance roadies and truck drivers. Whenever I go to India I make it a point  to take a drive with hubs and kiddo to the nearest dhaba on the national highway just to have some of their dal makhani, kadahi paneer and fresh out of the tandoor (clay oven) those buttery flaky tandoori rotis ~ ahh.

It is easy to whip up, considerably quick and an adaptable recipe as per your requirement. The spice does not have to be the hot kind, it can be a mild dish but rich and aromatic with a blend of spices. A simple but a satisfying dish. It can be served as a side, but makes a wonderful main dish too when served with rice or flat breads. One of my personal favorite is to wrap it around some flour tortillas or plain rotis and enjoy as a roll.

Jalfrezi method of cooking is said to have originated in India during the British rule. Jhal in Bangla means spicy or hot and frazie in urdu means stir fry.

Ingredients:

Paneer .............................. 2 cups cubed

Onion ............................... 1 medium, chopped

Ginger .............................. 1 tsp, fine chopped + thin sliced for garnish

Garlic ............................... 2 -3 cloves

Tomato ............................. 1 large chopped

Tomato ketchup ................... 2 tbsp

Cumin/carom seeds ............... 1/2 tsp

Bell pepper ......................... 1 large

Whole red chilli .................... 1

Salt ................................... to taste

Whole coriander seeds ............ 1 tbsp, dry roasted and powdered

Garam masala ....................... 1/2 tsp

Red chilli powder .................. 1/2 tsp or to taste

Kasoori methi ........................ 1 tsp

Cilantro .............................. 4 tbsp

Lemon juice .........................  1 tsp (optional)

Method:

1. In a non-stick  pan, heat oil. Add the whole red chilli and carom, cumin seeds.

2. Add onions and cook 2-3 minutes until light golden.

3. Add ginger and garlic and saute for 1 minute.

4. Add tomato  and cook until the oil separates.

5. Add bell Pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes.

6. Add coriander, garam masala, red chilli powder and tomato ketchup.

8. Add paneer and cilantro and mix. Cook for 1-2 minutes.

9. Sprinkle methi, lemon juice and mix.

10. Serve hot with roti, chapati or naan.ENJOY!

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