Regal Indian Cheese - Shahi Paneer

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This recipe can be prepared a day in advance and eaten with shop bought naans.It’s a delicious dish fit for a royal occasion and can be truly traditional with British ingredients including the paneer.

Regal Indian Cheese - Shahi Paneer

Picture by William Lingwood

Serves: 2-3

Ingredients:

3 tbsp vegetable oil

1 tsp cumin seeds

2 black cardamoms, seeds only

1 medium sized onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed

2 green finger chillies, finely chopped

200g/7oz plum tomatoes, blended until smooth

2 tbsp natural unsweetened yogurt

1 tsp cornflour

1 tsp tomato puree

1 tsp demerara sugar

1/4 tsp salt

Pinch of garam masala

Pinch of medium-hot chilli powder

250g (8oz) paneer, cut into 2.5cm (1 inch)

2 tbsp double cream

Handful of coriander leaves, chopped

Preparation:

Heat the oil in a heavy-based pan, then stir in the cumin and black cardamom seeds.

Fry for 30 seconds, then add the onion, garlic and green chillies. Fry for 3 minutes or until the onions are lightly browned.

Tip in the tomatoes and cook for a further 4 minutes or until the sauce is thick and creamy. Gradually fold in the yogurt.

Remove the mixture from the heat. Mix the cornflour and 2 tablespoons of cold water together to make a smooth paste and then stir into the onion mixture.

Return the pan to the heat, add the tomato puree, sugar and 4 tablespoons of cold water and stir. Tip in the salt, garam masala and chilli powder.

Stir in the paneer and cook on a low heat for 2 minutes.

Swirl in the double cream and cook for a minute longer.

Garnish with coriander to serve.