Ingredients: Bay leaves (tej patta), teaspoon Fennel seeds (Saunf), inch Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini), Cloves (Laung), Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds - peeled with seeds removed, Star anise, cup Fresh coconut - grated, teaspoon Poppy seeds, inch Ginger, Tomatoes - finely chopped, Pearl onions (Sambar Onions) - roughly chopped (or 1 large onion), Green Chillies - roughly chopped, teaspoon Turmeric powder (Haldi), tablespoon Garam masala powder, teaspoon Red Chilli powder, teaspoon Coriander Powder (Dhania), - to taste, Oil - for cooking, High Protein Vegetarian diet
Instructions: To begin making the Tamil Nadu Style Paneer Kurma Recipe, into a blender, add the coconut, poppy seeds and ginger. Add very little water and blend to make a smooth paste. Once blended, transfer to a small bowl and keep aside.Heat a tablespoon of oil in heavy bottomed pan; add all the whole spice like, bay leaf, cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, fennel seeds and clove and allow it to sizzle for few seconds.Once that is done add chopped onions and saute for a couple of minutes until the onions are tender and the raw smell goes away. Add chopped tomatoes and saute until it softens up.Once the tomatoes are softened, add all the spice powders. Saute until the aromas comes out and the masala is well cooked.Add ground coconut paste and mix into the tomato mixture. Sprinkle salt and add 1 cup of water and bring it to a boil.Slowly drop in the cubed paneer and boil the kurma gravy for another 15 minutes and switch off the heat.Serve hot by sprinkling some chopped coriander leave on top.Serve the Tamil Nadu Style Paneer Kurma Recipe along with whole wheat parotta and Vazhakkai Varuval by the side to enjoy your week day lunch.