Paneer Jalfrezi

I have told before in this space that I love colorful food,not those loaded with artificial synthetic colors but the vibrant color explosion that vegetables render to any dish.Seriously adding a handful of chopped carrots,bell peppers and some peas add all the necessary nutrients and also color to a dish.It is much more easier to make kids eat colorful food.Ok with all these said,here I present before you all a very colorful,healthy and tasty semi dry gravy to go with rotis/naan/mild flavored rice- Paneer jalfrezi. Paneer jalfrezi is a very easy to make,not much time consuming too.This dish is a myriad of flavors and colors,thanks to the variety of vegetables and ultra soft paneer cubes.Traditionally paneer and green bell peppers are often used(in restaurants) and you can add any crunchy vegetable of your choice for extra flavor and taste.Best served with soft rotis/naan,it would sure be a crowd pleaser.

Paneer Jalfrezi recipe (Semi dry gravy with cottage cheese and vegetables)
Star ingredient:Paneer cubes and green bell pepper
Time:40 minutes
Serves:3

Ingredients:
1 cup paneer (cut into long stripes)(Dunked in boiling water for 10 minutes)
1 medium sized green bell pepper julienne
1 large carrot julienne
2 baby corn julienne
1 large onion sliced
2 large tomatoes chopped very fine
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon chilli powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons kasuri methi
Juice of half lemon
Small piece of ginger crushed
Salt
Oil
Method:
1.Heat oil in a kadai and add cumin seeds.let it splutter,next add onions and saute till pinkish.Add ginger and saute for 3 minutes.
2.Next add the tomato pieces and sugar,saute well and mash in between.Add 1/4 cup water and cook for 5 minutes.
3.Next add the cut vegetables,salt,chilli powder,coriander powder,garam masala and mix well.Saute for 5-7 minutes.Add 1/4 more cup of water and cook for7-10 minutes.
4.Next add the paneer pieces,mix well,saute for 5 minutes and remove from flame.
5.Add kasuri methi,lime juice and mix well.Serve hot with chapathis/naan
Notes:
1.Few recipes insist on marinating the paneer cubes in curd,I am yet to try that.
2.Dunking the paneer in hot water makes them super soft,don't skip that please.
3.You can add 2-3 cloves garlic along with ginger.
4.Instead of chopped tomatoes 3/4 cup tomato puree can be added.