Tomato Paneer Masala

Tomato Paneer Masala is a curry lover’s dream come true ! Soft inside and crispy fried outside, the Paneer nibbles provide a beautiful contrast of flavour to a spicy, creamy, tangy curry.

You can use store bought paneer too but why do that when making paneer at home is super easy.
Paneer is the easiest and quickest of cheeses to make at home. You can make it in a big batch and refrigerate even 2 days ahead. Just stir into the delicious, tomato based masala for a quick and sumptuous dish of Tomato Paneer Masala.

For homemade cottage cheese or Paneer check this recipe on the blog.

2 cups paneer cubes
2 medium onions
2 green chillies
4 cloves garlic
1/2 inch piece ginger
4 ripe tomatoes,peeled and puréed
1 teaspoon salt or to taste
1 teaspoon red chilli powder
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
Garam masala for seasoning (optional)
2 tablespoons olive or sunflower oil

Cut paneer into bite size cubes, almost 1/2 inch squares.
Toast on a lightly greased frying pan till slightly golden on the outside.

Add onions, ginger, garlic and chillies to the food processor, make a smooth paste.

Heat oil in a deep pan, add cumin seeds. Fry a few seconds till aromatic.

Add the onion paste, keep frying another 4-5 minutes. Add salt, red chillies, coriander and turmeric.

Add tomato purée, keep frying till all the ingredients become well-blended into a masala and oil separates. Reduce heat, add 1/2 cup water to thin the masala, add paneer cubes and cover the pan for 5 minutes.

Garnish with fresh coriander and green chillies. Sprinkle a little garam masala to make it spicier.

Serve hot with roti or steamed rice.

Serves 2