Paneer Pudina is an authentic style of making paneer in pudina based chutney. The preparation of cottage cheese in pudina paste is really makes this dish exclusive one. It is an easy and quick dish, which is eaten as it is or with naan or any Indian flat bread.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Servings: 2 persons

Ingredients:

• 200 gms paneer cut in cubes
• 1 bowl fresh mint leaves
• 1 cup fresh coriander chopped
• 4-6 green chillies
• 1 inch ginger
• 10-12 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp curd
• 1/2 tsp pepper powder
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• 1/2 tsp poppy seeds
• 1/2 tsp shah jeera
• 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh cream
• 2 tsp vegetable oil
• Salt to taste

Whole garam masala:

• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cloves
• 3-4 peppercorns
• 1 black cardamom
• 2 green cardamoms
• 1 inch cinnamon stick

How to make Paneer Pudina:

1. Combine the curd, salt and pepper powder.
2. Add the cubes of paneer and mix well. Keep aside.
3. Grind the poppy and sesame seeds and keep this grounded powder aside.
4. Mix the coriander leaves, mint leaves, green chillies, cloves, garlic and little bit of water. Grind and make a smooth paste.
5. Heat the pan and add oil.
6. Add whole garam masala and shah jeera. Saute for few seconds.
7. Add ground green paste and mix well.
8. Add salt, red chilli powder, turmeric powder and lemon juice.
9. Stir and cook for 6-7 minutes.
10. Add the cubes of paneer and cook for 3-4 more minutes.
11. Finally add fresh cream and stir gently.
12. Serve hot with roti or butter naan.

Chef Tips:

1. Add the boiling water to increase the quantity of the dish.
2. Add chopped onion and tomatoes to increase more flavors.
3. If your paneer pudina is left over then mash the boiled potatoes in it and make paneer pudina tikki’s or cutlets. You will not regret at all.