Khoya matar paneer

khoya matar paneer in Marathi

Time: 35 to 40 minutes
Serves: 2 to 3 persons

Ingredients:
3/4 cup green peas (Frozen)
3/4 cup Khoya, roasted
150 grams Paneer, small cubes (Tip 1)
3/4 cup tomato puree (Tip 2)
1/2 cup milk/ water
1 tsp Ghee
1 small piece of ginger, finely grated
1/2 tsp red chili powder
1/4 tsp cumin seeds (Optional)
1 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp cumin powder
7-8 cashews, (reserve few for garnishing)
1 tbsp golden raisins + few more raisins for garnishing
1 tsp sugar
salt to taste
Whole spices - 1 bay leaf, 2-3 cloves, 3-4 Pepper corns, 2 green cardamom, 1 small stick of Cinnamon or 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder (Tip 4)

Method:
1) Heat a skillet. Lightly roast the whole spices. Cloves will puff up and cardamom will pop open. Grind the spices to fine powder.
2) Heat ghee in a pan. Add cashew-nuts, cumin, ginger and tomato puree. Cover the pan and cook for couple of minutes.
3) Add khoya, 1 tsp ground spices and mix well. Try to break as many lumps as you can. However, tiny lumps and grainy texture are expected. Saute until well blended.
4) Add peas and water/milk. Mix well, cover and cook for 4-5 minutes.
5) Now add coriander-cumin powder, sugar, red chili powder, raisins and salt. Cook for couple of minutes.
6) Finally add paneer cubes. Mix well and cook for couple more minutes.
Serve hot.

Tips:
1) When using store bought paneer, cut into cubes. Immerse them into hot water for 2 minutes. Paneer will become soft and there won't be any need to deep fry.
2) If tomatoes are not enough sour, add very little amchoor powder.
3) Mix the gravy well after adding milk to avoid curdling.
4) If using cinnamon powder, do not roast it. Add directly along-with coriander-cumin powder.