Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Sauté Whole Spices and Cashews

   Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan. Add 1 bay leaf, 4-5 cloves, 1 inch piece of cinnamon, 1 whole cardamom, and 8-10 cashews. Stir until a fragrant aroma wafts from the spices.

2. 2.Sauté Ginger, Garlic, and Onion

   Add 1 inch of roughly chopped ginger and 5-6 peeled garlic cloves to the pan. Sauté for 2 minutes. Then, add 1 large, roughly chopped onion and sauté for another 2 minutes.

3. 3.Sauté Tomatoes and Salt

   Add 2 large, roughly chopped tomatoes to the pan along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Sauté until the tomatoes turn soft.

4. 4.Grind to a Smooth Paste

   Transfer the sautéed ingredients to a blender and grind them into a smooth paste.

5. 5.Fry Paneer

   In a separate pan, heat 1 teaspoon of oil. Fry the paneer until it turns golden brown on all sides.

6. 6.Cut Paneer into Cubes

   Remove the fried paneer from the pan and cut it into cubes.

7. 7.Sauté Green Peas

   In the same pan, heat 1 teaspoon of oil and sauté 1 cup of green peas for 3-4 minutes.

8. 8.Prepare the Curry Base

   Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan. Add 1 bay leaf, 1 whole black cardamom, and 1/2 inch piece of cinnamon. Stir briefly until fragrant. Add the prepared onion tomato paste (1 cup) to the pan.

9. 9.Add Spices and Cook

   Add 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1.5 teaspoons of red chili powder to the paste. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oil begins to separate from the paste.

10. 10.Add Water and Bring to a Boil

    Pour in 1-1.5 cups of water (adjust for desired consistency) and mix well. Bring the curry to a boil and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes.

11. 11.Add Peas and Season

    Add the 1 cup of sautéed green peas to the curry and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Then, add 3 slit green chilies, salt to taste, and 1 teaspoon of sugar.

12. 12.Add Paneer, Cream, and Fenugreek Leaves

    Gently add the paneer cubes (fried or plain) to the curry. Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of fresh cream (or more for less spicy) and 2 teaspoons of dried fenugreek leaves (Kasoori Methi).

13. 13.Final Mix and Serve

    Mix all ingredients thoroughly and cook for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired and serve hot.