Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare Paneer and Vegetables

   Cut 500 gm paneer into 1-inch cubes. Cut 2 medium potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Prepare 1 cup of green peas. Cut 1 green, 1 yellow, and 1 red capsicum into large pieces. Peel and roughly chop a 1-inch piece of ginger. Cut 2 medium tomatoes into wedges.

2. 2.Boil Paneer

   Heat a pan and add the paneer cubes. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder over the paneer. Add water to the pan, ensuring the paneer is submerged. Boil the paneer for 2-3 minutes until it softens. Remove the paneer and set aside.

3. 3.Fry Potatoes

   In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Fry the potato cubes until golden brown and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

4. 4.Prepare Tomato-Cashew Puree

   In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the chopped tomatoes, 7 cashews, 1 green chili, a small piece of cinnamon stick, 2-3 cardamom pods, 2-3 bay leaves, and 1 teaspoon roasted kasoori methi. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften. Transfer the sautéed ingredients to a blender and blend into a smooth paste.

5. 5.Temper Spices and Cook Puree

   Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in the same pan. Add 2-3 bay leaves, a small piece of cinnamon stick, 2-3 cardamom pods, and 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the prepared tomato-cashew puree to the pan. Add 1 teaspoon of salt (or to taste). Mix well and cook for 5-7 minutes until the oil separates and the puree thickens.

6. 6.Add Vegetables and Spices

   Add the chopped capsicum (green, yellow, red), fried potato cubes, and green peas to the cooking puree. Mix well. Add 1 teaspoon red chili powder, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, and 1/2 teaspoon garam masala. Mix thoroughly to coat the vegetables with spices.

7. 7.Combine with Paneer and Simmer

   Add the boiled paneer to the pan with the vegetables. Stir gently. Sprinkle an additional 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala over the dish. Mix gently. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld.

8. 8.Serve

   Serve the hot Matar Kadai Paneer.