A pinch of Saffron

Every Tuesday morning I wake up wondering - God what should i cook today. The family being ardent Hanuman ji fan we dedicate this day to him by sticking to vegetarian food ( quite a task for us meat and fish lovers ). Having maxed out on dishes like Palak Paneer, Paneer masala and the likes today i decided to do something new to the Paneer! A pinch of saffron and the outcome i must say was wonderful. So here it is, my version of "Kesariya Paneer" - paneer gravy dish laced with the delicate flavours of saffron.

Ingredients :

Paneer  - 200 gms - cut into small rectangles
Boiled onion paste  - 5 tbsps
Cashew/Raisin/Almond  paste - 2 tbsp
Ginger paste - 1 tsp
Garlic paste - 1 tsp
Curd - 1 tbsp
Cream - 1 tbsp
Whole garam masala ( green cardamom/cloves/cinnamon ) - 2 each
Refined oil - 1 tbsp
Warm water - 1/2 cup
Salt - to taste
Saffron - a pinch ( soaked in warm milk )

Method :

Cut the paneer in small rectangles and keep aside. You could also lightly saute the paneer and keep it soaked in a bowl of warm water to keep it soft.

In a non stick pan , add oil , splutter the whole garam masala.

Next add the boiled onion paste and cook for 2 mins. Pls note the onion will not change color and we want a white gravy.

Then in goes the kaju - kishmish - almond paste, curd and salt.Cook for another 2-3 mins till oil starts appearing on the edges.Add the warm water and let the gravy simmer for another 2 mins.

Now add the paneer cubes and the cream. Mix well. Finish by adding the saffron infused milk.

Your beautiful "Kesariya Paneer" is ready to be served. Today am serving it with some palak paranthas - cheat way to feed the 4 yr old some green veggies!