Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Roast Paneer

   Heat 2 tablespoons of desi ghee in a pan. Place 300 gm of paneer pieces in the pan. Roast the paneer pieces on medium flame, flipping sides until they turn golden brown on both sides.

2. 2.Prepare Saline Water for Paneer

   In a bowl of warm water, add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of asafoetida (hing). Mix well until dissolved.

3. 3.Soak Paneer

   Dip the roasted paneer pieces into the saline water. Leave them to soak for 30 minutes. This will make the paneer soft and juicy.

4. 4.Prepare Gravy Base

   Heat 2 tablespoons of desi ghee and 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan. Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and 3 green cardamoms. Once they splutter, add 1 tablespoon of chopped garlic and 3 chopped onions. Sauté on medium flame until the onions turn golden brown. Then, add 2 chopped tomatoes and sauté on medium flame until they soften and the mixture starts to come together.

5. 5.Add Spices to Gravy

   Add 1 tablespoon of coriander powder, 1 tablespoon of deggi mirch, salt to taste, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Sauté on medium flame for 2-3 minutes until the spices are well combined and fragrant. Add 1/4 cup of water and mix well.

6. 6.Add Curd to Gravy

   Add 1/2 cup of curd to the gravy. Mix well on medium flame until the curd is fully incorporated and the gravy thickens. Cover and cook on medium flame for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and oil to separate.

7. 7.Add Paneer to Gravy

   Add 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala to the gravy and mix well. Place the soaked paneer pieces into the gravy. Add 1/2 cup of water and mix gently. Cover and cook on medium flame for 5 minutes.

8. 8.Prepare Tempering

   Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a separate small pan. Add 10-15 whole black pepper, 1 teaspoon of whole coriander, and 2 whole red chillies. Toss until fragrant. Add onion petals from 2 onions and 2 chopped green chillies. Toss for 1-2 minutes until onions are slightly softened but still retain their crunch.

9. 9.Combine and Finish

   Add the prepared tempering to the paneer gravy. Mix well. Garnish with a handful of fresh coriander leaves. Cover and cook on low flame for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. Paneer Do Pyaaza is ready.