A Simple Paneer Curry........
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| Sana Thongba from Manipur – A Simple Paneer Curry |
The recipe that I made today is a very good example of the simplicity of the cuisine, yet bringing out the most wonderful flavor from the food. This was one dish that truly amazed me by its flavors. I had used no spice absolutely except turmeric and cumin and yet the dish was so flavorful. This dish was a very big success with my boys and I would definitely be making this more often. This recipe is made during Usop, which is a traditional Hindu Manipuri feast and is considered one of the tastiest vegetarian dishes
The only change that I did to the dish was that I used tofu instead of paneer. The dish absolutely did not miss the paneer.
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| Sana Thongba from Manipur – A Simple Paneer Curry |
Preparation time – 10 minutes
Cooking time – 30 minutes
Difficulty level – easy
Ingredients – (serves 6)
- Paneer (I used firm tofu) – 450 grams (chopped into ½ inch pieces)
- Potato – 1 large (peeled and chopped into 1 inch pieces)
- Onion – 1 large (Thinly sliced)
- Green peas – ½ cup
- Green chilies – 4-5
- Milk – 1 ½ cup
- Turmeric powder – 1 tsp
- Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
- Oil – 2 – 3 tbsp
- Salt – to taste
- Cilantro – few for garnish
Procedure –
- In a wide pan, heat the oil and add the cumin seeds. When the seeds splutter, add the sliced onions and sauté for about 3 minutes.
- Now add the cubed paneer (or tofu) and then fry in medium flame until it turns light golden.
- Now add the potatoes and fry it for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Next add the peas and sauté for few more minutes until the peas becomes slightly soft.
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| Sana Thongba from Manipur – A Simple Paneer Curry |
- Add the turmeric powder and salt and mix it gently.
- Now add about 1 to 1 ½ cups of water and cook covered, until the potatoes are soft and completely cooked.
- Open the pan and add the milk. Reduce the flame to simmer and let the curry come to a gentle boil. Do not cook on high heat since the milk would curdle. As soon as the curry comes to a gentle boil turn off the flame right away as otherwise the milk would curdle.
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| Sana Thongba from Manipur – A Simple Paneer Curry |
- Garnish with cilantro and serve warm with rice or roti’s. When reheating the curry, heat it in low power in the microwave or in low flame.
