Spiced paneer dhal

Method 1

Ingredients

1 tbsp rapeseed oil

150g paneer, cut into 1cm cubes

5 cardamom pods, bashed

1 cinnamon stick

1 large onion, finely sliced

3 garlic cloves, crushed

15g ginger, peeled and grated

1 green chilli, finely chopped and deseeded (optional)

1 tsp ground turmeric

300g red lentils, rinsed

850ml vegetable stock

small handful of coriander, leaves picked

naan or chapati and coconut yogurt, to serve

STEP 1

Heat the oil in a saucepan over a medium heat. Fry the paneer until golden brown, about 5-7 mins. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. Put the cardamom and cinnamon in the pan and fry for 1-2 mins until fragrant. Add the onion, garlic, ginger, chilli and turmeric. Cook for 5 mins until softened before adding the lentils and stock. Season and bring to a simmer, then cook over a medium heat for 15-20 mins until the lentils are tender and thickened.

STEP 2

Season the dhal and tip in the paneer. Serve with the coriander sprinkled over, and chapati or naan and coconut yogurt, if you like.

Method 2

Ingredients:

- 1 cup yellow split peas

- 200g paneer, cut into cubes

- 1 onion, chopped

- 2 tomatoes, chopped

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1 inch piece of ginger, grated

- 1 tsp cumin seeds

- 1 tsp turmeric powder

- 1 tsp garam masala

- 1 tsp coriander powder

- 1/2 tsp chili powder

- Salt to taste

- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

- Water for cooking

- Oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Rinse the yellow split peas thoroughly and soak them in water for at least 30 minutes.

2. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once the seeds start to splutter, add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

3. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and mushy.

4. Add turmeric powder, garam masala, coriander powder, chili powder, and salt. Mix well.

5. Drain the soaked split peas and add them to the pan. Add water and cook until the peas are soft and mushy.

6. In a separate pan, heat oil and fry the paneer cubes until they are golden brown on all sides.

7. Add the fried paneer to the dhal mixture and let it simmer for a few minutes.

8. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or naan.

Comments

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