Paneer, with Spinach & Peppers

 

This is a quick tasty, vegetarian protein dish made in a pan on the hob. It's a popular, regular dish on our table as it hits lots of targets - spicy, quick, vegetarian! I made it today (along with a Channa dish and Pakoras and Berry Cake) for a visit by my husband's lovely aunt who is vegetarian and has international tastes! 

Have it hot with rice and yogurt, or even cold in wraps for lunches. I use shop-bought paneer from the supermarket which lasts a long time in the fridge so it is always to hand, currently using Asda's 'Riya's Paneer', 500g for £4.38.

INGREDIENTS:

500g block of Paneer, diced

2 peppers, sliced

Chopped fresh spinach, I used about 4 big hand fulls, it really cooks down. Frozen could be used too.

1 medium onion, chopped

3-5 garlic cloves, thumb of ginger, chilies, all chopped, to taste

Couple of tomatoes, diced. 

Spices: 

• turmeric, salt & pepper   
• coriander powder*, garam masala*, mango powder*, 
• dried fenugreek (optional), whole cumin (optional), 

(* you can replace these 3 spices with a couple of tablespoons of 'chana' or 'chat masala' ready-mixed spice in a box, I often do this if my mum has stocked me up after a trip to India!)

Juice of half a lemon. 

METHOD:

1. Heat some ghee or olive oil in a frying pan, with some whole cumin (if using) tossed in to sizzle (do not burn!)

2. Saute the diced onions with a sprinkle of dried fenugreek (if using), after 5 minutes add in the ginger, then after a minute or two, add the garlic and chilli. 

3. When softened and lightly coloured, add the diced tomatoes, cook for a minute or two.

4. Add the spices and cook for a few minutes (2-3) - if dry, add splashes of water as needed - taking care not to burn the spices.

5. Add the diced paneer and gently turn over to coat and soften.

6. After a minute or two, add the sliced peppers and stir. If dry-ish, you can add some splashes of water. Cover and cook for 5 minutes or so.

7. Stir in the chopped spinach (it will wilt and reduce quickly).  Gently stir in the lemon juice, check/adjust the salt level and you're done!