Indian Vegetarian Meal: Paneer Curry & Thor Curry

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

• For Paneer Curry, adding salt to the tomatoes helps them soften faster.

• For Thor Curry, ensure the banana stem is finely chopped and thoroughly boiled for the best texture.

• Adjust the amount of red chili powder in the Paneer Curry for your preferred spice level and color.

• For Paneer Curry, a touch of fresh cream can be added at the end for extra richness.

• For Thor Curry, moong dal (split yellow lentils) can be used instead of motor dal for the fritters.