Hyderabadi Paneer is a rich and nawabi preparation of cottage cheese in the spices and cream. It is a typical style hyderabadi recipe flavored with hyderabadi masala and fresh cream. Here I have not used much vegetables, but you can add veggies of your choice along with the cottage cheese.

Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Servings: 3-4

Ingredients:

• 200 gm paneer cubes
• 1 big onion cut into thin slices
• 5-6 curry leaves broken
• 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 2 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup fresh sterilized milk
• 1 tsp ghee
• Salt to taste

For making hyderabadi masala you need:

• 1/2 tsp jeera
• 2 tbsp peanuts
• 1/4 tsp sesame seeds
• 1/2 tsp poppy seeds
• 5-6 cashew nuts
• 2 cloves
• 1 inch ginger
• 6 cloves garlic
• 2 dried red chillies

How to make Hyderabadi Paneer:

1. Melt about 1/4 tsp ghee in a pan and add all the ingredients for making hyderabadi masala. Leave to cool and then grind to make a smooth masala.
2. Now heat the pan and add remaining ghee.
3. Add curry leaves and slices of onion.
4. Add little bit of salt and fry until onion turn light golden.
5. Add grounded masala and all the remaining spices.
6. Also add milk at this time.
7. Stir and leave to boil for about 5 minutes on low heat.
8. Now add fried paneer and lemon juice, mix well.
9. Add fresh cream and cook for 2 more minutes.
10. Serve hot with roti or naan.

Chef Tips:

1. You can add chopped tomatoes, capsicum etc for more flavors.
2. This hyderabadi masala can be used for making other gravy recipes, also you can use it for making non-veg dishes.
3. Fried paneer can also be used.