Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Paneer Curry: Fry Paneer

   Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan. Add 200 grams of paneer cubes and fry until they turn golden brown. Remove the fried paneer and set aside.

2. 2.Paneer Curry: Sauté Tomatoes

   In the same pan, add 2 medium chopped tomatoes. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to help the tomatoes soften quickly. Sauté until the tomatoes are soft and mushy, about 3-4 minutes.

3. 3.Paneer Curry: Prepare and Add Gravy Paste

   While tomatoes are cooking, make a smooth paste by grinding 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, 1 tablespoon melon seeds, and 5-6 cashews with a little water. Add this paste to the sautéed tomatoes and mix well. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent sticking.

4. 4.Paneer Curry: Simmer Gravy

   Add 1 cup of water to the pan. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of Kashmiri red chili powder for color (optional). Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer.

5. 5.Paneer Curry: Combine with Paneer

   Add the previously fried paneer cubes to the simmering gravy. Stir gently to ensure the paneer is coated and absorbs the flavors. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.

6. 6.Thor Curry: Prepare Thor and Lentil Fritters

   Finely chop 1 medium banana stem (thor) and boil it until very tender. Soak 1/2 cup motor dal for a few hours, then grind it into a coarse paste. Fry small fritters (bora) from this paste in hot oil until golden brown. Set aside.

7. 7.Thor Curry: Sauté Potatoes and Chilies

   In a separate pan, heat 3 tablespoons of cooking oil. Add 2 medium peeled and cubed potatoes and 2-3 slit green chilies. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the potatoes are lightly browned.

8. 8.Thor Curry: Add Spices

   Add 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon salt (to taste), 1 teaspoon ginger paste, 1 teaspoon cumin powder, and 1 teaspoon coriander powder to the potatoes. Mix all ingredients thoroughly and cook for 2-3 minutes until the raw smell of the spices disappears.

9. 9.Thor Curry: Combine with Thor

   Add the boiled and mashed thor to the pan with the potatoes and spices. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

10. 10.Thor Curry: Season and Finish

    Add 1/2 teaspoon sugar and 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder. Mix thoroughly. Finally, add the fried lentil fritters (bora) and stir gently. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until all flavors are well combined. Serve hot with rice and dal.