Cook like an Indian ~ Daniela

Last week I was invited by CLE Communications to attend a cooking class at the Karma Indian Restaurant. I was gutted to have missed it, as, to say I love Indian food is a complete understatement. But luckily Emma sent me all the dishes they made so now I can tempt my taste buds at their delicious recipes. I was so excited to see my ultimate favourite dish, Paneer and Peas Makhni, on their list which I will be trying my hand at this evening.

If you do not wish to make your own paneer or can’t find it at a shop, try using a block of ricotta cheese it works just as well and tastes as scrumptious!

Karma’s Paneer and Pea Makhni

Ingredients:

150g Paneer

1 cup peas
1 onion  blended
2 tbsp butter
3 tbsp tomato puree

1 tsp ginger and garlic paste
2 tbsp almond paste
2 tbsp Kashmiri chili powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp garam masala
1 cup fresh cream

Method:

1.        Cut the Paneer into cubes. 

2.        Heat the butter and add the onion and sauté for 3 minutes.

3.        Add ginger and garlic paste and again sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes.

4.        Turn heat slightly down and add Kashmiri chili powder, coriander powder, almond paste, tomato puree, turmeric powder, garam masala and salt, and cook for 3-4 minutes.

5.        Add peas and paneer cubes and allow to cook on low heat unitl the gravy becomes thick.

6.        Finally add Fresh Cream and garnish with coriander.

Tip: If you cannot find Kashmiri chilli powder, you can use normal chilli powder instead.

For more info on Karma’s cooking classes go to: www.karmakorporate.co.za