Paneer Vegetable Jalfrezi
Jalfrezi ( Hot - Fry ) is a curry dish with stir fries meat , fish , paneer or vegetables. Originating from Bengal , this dish is popular throughout India. In this recipe I have used paneer, bell peppers and shishoto peppers . Shishoto peppers are mild, sweet and smoky Japanese peppers . Banana peppers, fresno peppers, Anaheim peppers, cubanelle peppers or bell peppers.
Ingredients
12 oz ( 341 gms ) paneer
12 shishoto peppers
1 yellow bell pepper
1 red bell pepper
5 small shallots
6 cloves garlic
1" piece ginger
2 green chilies
4 medium tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds
1" cinnamon piece6 cloves
1/4 cup grated coconut
12 cashews teaspoon coriander powder
1 /2 + 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 + 1 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon kashmiri chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garam masala powder
1 tablespon butter
3 tablespoon oil
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves
( kasoori methi )
1/2 cup chopped onions
salt to taste
Steps
Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a wok or kadai, Stir fry the shishoto peppers on high heat for 1 min. Remove and keep aside.
Cut the bell peppers into cubes. To the same wok add 1 teaspoon oil and fry the bell peppers on high heat for 1 min. Remove and keep aside.
Cut the paneer into strips, add 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric and salt. Mix well. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in the kadai and saute the paneer till it gets golden brown on the sides. Remove and keep aside.
Now heat 1 teaspoon oil. Add shallots, garlic, ginger, green chilies, tomatoes and spices ( fennel seeds, cinnamon, cloves, and poppy seeds ). Fry this till the onions, ginger , garlic and tomatoes are soft. Now add the coconut and cashews. Mix well .Switch off the stove , let it cool and grind into a smooth puree.
Heat a saucepan. In this recipe I have used a brass handi. Add 1 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon oil.
Once the butter and oil are hot , add cumin seeds, dried fenugreek leaves ( kasoori methi ).
Add the onions and fry till golden brown. Now add the spices ( chili powder, kashmiri chili powder,coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala ). Fry this for a few secs. The spices tend to burn, so immediately add the ground paste.
Add salt and half a cup water, and close cook on a low flame for 6 to 7 mins till oil seperates.
Now add the stir fried paneer, bell peppers and shishoto peppers. Mix well add water if needed. Close and cook for just 2 mins, to maintain the crunch , color and texture of the vegetables.
Serve this as a side dish with roti or basmathi rice.
Enjoy!