Recipe - Get The Weekend Mood On With Tawa Paneer

As the weekend approaches, we all eagerly await moments of relaxation, celebration, and indulgence. And what better way to get into the weekend mood than with a delectable and flavorful dish that tickles your taste buds and brings joy to your table? Enter "Tawa Paneer" – a mouthwatering vegetarian delight that promises to elevate your weekend experience to new heights.

Tawa Paneer is a popular North Indian dish that features succulent cubes of paneer (cottage cheese) marinated in a rich blend of spices and cooked to perfection on a tawa (griddle) or a non-stick pan. The sizzling sound of the paneer hitting the hot tawa, coupled with the enticing aroma of spices, creates an irresistible invitation to dive into this culinary masterpiece.

The beauty of Tawa Paneer lies not only in its tantalizing flavors but also in its simplicity and speed of preparation. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can whip up this delectable dish in no time, leaving you with ample moments to cherish and enjoy with your loved ones.

In this article, we will take you on a culinary journey to explore the magic of Tawa Paneer. From the marination process that infuses the paneer with aromatic spices to the sizzling action on the tawa, we will uncover the secrets to creating this restaurant-style dish right in the comfort of your own kitchen. So, get ready to embark on a delightful adventure with Tawa Paneer, and let the weekend mood set in with every savory bite.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

250g paneer (cottage cheese), cubed
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 large tomato, finely chopped
1 capsicum (bell pepper), thinly sliced
2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1/4 cup yogurt (curd)
2 tablespoons oil
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Salt to taste

Method

- In a mixing bowl, combine the cubed paneer with yogurt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, half of the garam masala, cumin powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to ensure the paneer is coated evenly. Allow the paneer to marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

- Heat a tawa (flat griddle) or a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and spread it evenly across the surface.

- Place the marinated paneer on the hot tawa and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the paneer turns golden brown and slightly crisp. Once done, remove the paneer from the tawa and set it aside.

- In the same tawa, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Next, add the finely chopped onions, green chilies, and ginger-garlic paste. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and the raw aroma of the ginger-garlic paste disappears.

- Add the finely chopped tomatoes, thinly sliced capsicum, coriander powder, and the rest of the garam masala. Stir well and cook until the tomatoes become soft and the oil starts to separate from the masala.

- Now, gently add the sautéed paneer to the tawa masala and mix everything together. Sprinkle kasuri methi on top and season with salt to taste. Stir gently to ensure the paneer and vegetables are coated with the flavorful masala.

- Garnish the Tawa Paneer with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve it hot alongside your favorite Indian bread, such as naan or chapati, or as a side dish to complement your weekend meal. Enjoy the explosion of flavors and the joy of a well-spent weekend!