Chhanaar Dalna (cottage cheese curry)

Posted By: Mala D

This is a very simple paneer preparation,yet it's very popular in Bengali households & is loved by young & old alike. Dalna refers to a thicker & spicier version of the usual gravy.

Ingredients:
Cottage Cheese: 250 gms
Potato: 1 medium-sized
Tomato: 1 large
Ginger: 2 inches
Bayleaf: 2 nos
Cumin seeds: 1/2 tsp
Refined oil: 4-5 tbsp
Red chilli powder: 1-1/2 tsp
Salt: to taste
Sugar: 1/4 tsp.
Turmeric powder: 1 tsp
Cumin powder: 1 tsp
Garam masala powder: 1/2 tsp
Corriander leaves: a few sprigs

Method:
Cut the paneer & potato pieces identically into 2 inch size. Wash the potato & drain well. Keep aside.
Heat the oil in a medium-sized wok, fry the paneer pieces lightly in batches. Take them out & immerse them into a bowl filled with hot water. Add 1/2 tsp of turmeric to it, this will give the paneer a nice golden colour & the hot water will also keep them soft.
Fry the potato in batches in the same oil till golden(this reduces cooking time, while you get on with the other steps of this recipe).
Wash & roughly chop the ginger & tomato & puree them in a blender.
Now add bay leaves & cumin seeds to the same oil & when they crackle, add the tomato puree mixture. Add some salt & keep on frying. Dissolve the spice powder in a little water & add to the masala & keep frying till oil leaves the side. Now mix in the fried potato & coat them well. Add 2 cups of water,cover & cook on low flame for abt 5 minutes. Check the seasoning. Add paneer & cook for another 5-6 minutes. Add garam masala & chopped corriander & close the flame. Serve with hot rice/chapati.

Tips: if you are making paneer at home,while curdling the milk, add a few strands of saffron. This will give a unique colour & flavour to the cheese.

Jiffy Spinach & Cheese, Palak Paneer variant

by Mala D

A tasty variation on palak paneer. If you are tired of having the same curry or have almost the same ingredients but don't want the hassle of long preparation, try this.

Ingredients:

Fresh spinach bunch: 500 gms

Cheese (paneer): 250 gms

One medium-size onion

One medium-size tomato

5-6 flakes of garlic

3-4 table spoons of refined oil

Turmeric powder 1 tsp

Red chilly powder 2 tsp

A pinch of sugar

Salt to taste

Method:

Thoroughly wash spinach leaves & chop them finely. Finely chop onion & tomato. Grate  the paneer. Heat oil in a pan & add the roughly chopped garlic flakes. Add onion & toss them. Fry well & then add chopped spinach. Stir & cook for3-4 minutes. Now add the chopped tomatos. Cook for a while & then add the spices. Add sugar(optional) if the taste is a bit sour. Cover & cook till oil floats to the top. Now add grated paneer & mix well. Cook till it's well incorporated & the curry is a bit runny.

Enjoy it hot with rice!