Matar Paneer Masala

Ingredients:
Paneer - 1 Cup (Cubed)
Fresh Green Peas - 1 Cup
Onion - 1 (Large Size)
Green Chillies - 2 (Long Ones)
Tomatoes - 3 (Small Size)
Ginger-garlic Paste - 1 tbsp.
Curry Leaves - Few Stalks
Red Chilli Powder - 2 tsp.
Coriander Powder - 1 tsp.
Turmeric Powder - 1/4 tsp.
Garam Masala - 1/2 tsp.
Cloves - 2
Cardamom - 2
Cinnamon Stick - 1
Fresh Cream - 1 Cup/1 Can
Coriander Leaves - Few (To Garnish)
Lemon Juice - Few Drops
Salt - As Required
Oil - 1 tbsp.
Ghee - 1 tbsp.

Method:

Heat a pan with some oil and when its smoking hot,add the paneer cubes and fry till
golden brown.Set it aside.

In a mixie,blend onions and green chillies into a paste and keep it aside.

Likewise,blend the tomatoes into a fine paste and set it aside.

Boil the green peas with a cup of water and a pinch of sugar.Cook till  its  tender
and keep it aside.

Heat another pan with some oil and ghee and when its hot add the whole spices (cloves,
cardamom,cinnamon stick,black peppercorns) and let it fry for few seconds.

Then add the onion and green chilli paste along with a pinch of salt and curry leaves
and fry till they get transculent.

Now add the tomato paste and a pinch of salt and cook till the raw smell fades away.

Add turmeric powder,red chilli powder,coriander powder and enough salt and stir it well.

Allow it cook until the mixture is dry.

Then add the boiled green peas,fried paneer cubes and saute for 5 mins.

Add half cup of fresh cream and mix it well.Allow it to cook until the
gravy is thickened.

A minute before removing from the heat add garam masala powder and
mix it well.

Garnish with coriander leaves and few drops of lemon juice.

Serve it hot with chapathi/roti,naan,paratha or poori.


Note:1)Paneer is available in the all Indian stores.
  
         2)Fresh Cream is available in the all supermarkets (Walmart,Target,Kroger,
            Whole Foods Supermarket,World Food Supermarket,Indian Grocers).

        3)If you can't find fresh cream you can substitute it with yogurt.
           But with fresh cream,the matar paneer masala tastes good and is
           also flavorful.

For homemade paneer,please go to : http://www.nandyala.org/mahanandi/archives/2005/06/06/delightful-paneer/

Health Benefits of Paneer : 

1)Paneer taken in moderation in daily diet could help reduce weight.

2)Paneer also gives the health benefits of reducing the development of insulin

   resistance syndrome.

3)Including paneer in one’s daily diet helps to give protein required by the body

    for growth and renewal. 

4)It provides the protection against cancer.

5)Paneer helps prevent stomach disorders in people as they grow older.

6)Paneer is the storehouse of calcium and makes your bones stronger and

   helps men and women as they age against brittle bones.

7)It promotes strong bones and also helps to prevent and reduce back and joint

    problems.

8)Paneer has the health benefit of preventing osteoporosis,which is a curse of old  age.