Paneer Methi Malai

Fresh Fenugreek or Methi as we call it is known for its slightly bitter taste and multiple health advantages. Not as easily available as spinach in the part of the world that I stay in, I try and make the most of this herb and spice whenever available.

The recipe below enhances the rich, creamy taste of Paneer (cottage cheese) and at the same time also highlights the distinct flavor of the methi leaves, making it a dish to remember.

The selling point of this dish is that its flavor and appearance far surpass the effort put in cooking it. You can cook this delicious curry in no time at all and yet when you put it on the table, it looks every bit as rich and inviting as any dish you have spent hours working on.

Ingredients

Chopped Onion – 1 large

Crushed almonds – half a cup

Paneer cubes – 15 medium sized

Methi leaves – 1 cup

Dry red chilies – 2 medium

Cinnamon powder – ¼ tsp

Cardamom powder – ¼ tsp

Cumin powder – 2 tsp

Garam masala – ½ tsp

Sugar – ¼ tsp

Milk – 1 cup

Oil – 1 tsp

Butter – ½ tsp

Salt and pepper

Wash the methi leaves thoroughly, give them a rough chop and keep aside.  Heat 1 tsp oil in a pan, add the dry red chilies and onions and cook the onion for 5 minutes. Mix in the crushed almonds and cook for a couple of minutes more. Now sprinkle in the spices – salt, pepper, cumin, cinnamon and cardamom powders. Mix well and turn off the heat. After the mixture cools, pour in half a cup of milk and puree to make a gravy.

In a deep skillet, heat the butter and add cumin seeds. Add methi leaves as the cumin seeds crackle. Cook for just about a minute and transfer the gravy into the skillet. Add sugar and garam masala and cook covered for 2 to 3 minutes. Fold in the paneer cubes and the remaining ½ a cup of milk. Let everything cook together covered for a good 10 minutes. Paneer Methi Matar Malai is done and ready to be served.

Serving suggestions

·         With Roti/Paratha/flavored rice

Tips

·         You can fry the paneer cubes before adding them to the gravy, more color, more taste.

·         Dry Methi leaves can also be used in place of fresh ones, increase the quantity slightly.

·        You can make the gravy thicker or thinner depending on preference by adding more or less milk.

·         You can substitute almonds with cashews or walnuts.

 Interesting fact

·         Fenugreek in Latin means “Green Hay”.

·         Fenugreek is used in India for relief against arthritis pain.