Matar Paneer

This pea and cheese combination is incredibly satisfying whilst at the same time managing to taste fresh and healthy.  Win-Win !

Ingredients
4 servings

200g Peas
200g Paneer, cut into cubes
3 tbsp Ghee (or veg oil)
1 tsp Cumin seeds
1 Onion, roughly chopped
½ inch root Ginger, chopped
3 Garlic cloves, chopped
2 Green chilies (small), chopped
3 Tomatoes (small), roughly chopped
12 cashew nuts, roughly chopped (optional)
¼ tsp Turmeric powder
1 tsp Chilli powder
1 tsp Ground Coriander
½ tsp Garam masala
Salt - to taste
Fresh Coriander, finely chopped

Method

Heat 1 tbsp of ghee in a pan on medium heat and fry the paneer cubes until golden brown. Set aside.

In the same pan add another tbsp of the ghee and heat up to a medium temperature. Add cumin seeds and fry for a minute until they begin to sizzle.

Now add the ginger, garlic and green chillies and cook for a minute before adding the onion. Season with a little salt. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes until they become soften but not browned. 
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become softened. Allow to cool a bit.

Put the chopped cashews in a blender and blitz, gradually adding a little of the tomato/onion paste to loosen up the mix, making sure the cashews are thoroughly chopped into a paste.
Continue adding the whole amount and blend until well mixed.

Heat remaining ghee in the same pan. Once a medium to hot temperature has been reached add prepared paste and saute.  Cook for 5-8 minutes and reducing as the moisture evaporates. 
Stir frequently. 

Add the dried spices, turmeric powder, ground coriander, red chili powder and garam masala. Mix well and cook for a minute.

Add some water bringing the gravy consistency to your preference. Stir and let it come to a boil then simmer for 2-3 minutes.

If using fresh peas then in another pan bring the peas to a boil for a few minutes. Frozen peas just blanche for a few seconds.

Add the boiled peas and cubed paneer. Mix well and simmer for another 3-4 minutes so the peas and paneer absorb the flavors. 

Add some of the chopped coriander and stir gently.

Serve immediately with some more coriander to garnish.