Indian Weekend #4 - Mattar Paneer and Chickpea Curry

[a_boleyn]

Although I'm a meat lover, neither of these two dishes contain any meat, and, if not for the paneer cheese in the first dish, they would be vegetarian. If you substitute extra firm tofu for the cheese, that wouldn't be the case

Comments

[ext_877277]

Speaking of paneer - I made some this weekend, and finally, I made rasgulla! :D I'm going to post about it later. The rasgulla were good, the paneer was nice too - the texture was all there but it didn't seem as smooth and compact as the stuff in your picture above. I wonder what I can do to firm it up...

[a_boleyn]

I look forward to seeing your rasgullas. I cheated and bought some, as well as some ... well, I'll post the pictures later.

As to the smoothness of the paneer, I put the cheesecloth wrapped disk under a couple of heavy cans and refrigerated them overnight. When you cut into the disks you still get crumbling at the edges even with a very sharp knife. I wouldn't worry about it. And, I like the homemade stuff I make better than the bought stuff ... there's still a rubbery element but I think mine is more flavourful/creamy.

[ext_870394]

I am really impressed with your trial on Indian food. I haven't had a chance to explore different Indian cuisines yet. I have one Indian grocery store that I occasionally hang out (for fun). I have acesse to all kinds of food. I should check out some recipes!

[a_boleyn]

Thank you for commenting. My menu was restricted by budget and cravings so I didn't touch on the variety of Indian cuisine available. And, I didn't make anything time consuming, nothing with cream, nothing deep fried etc. The Indian cashier at my grocery store shook her head when I said I might make butter chicken cause she thinks it's a cliche of Indian cooking and too rich. :)

[anonymous]

I have only tried to make paneer once, and although I wouldn't call it a total failure, it sure wasn't successful! But I will preserver and try again; your paneer looks amazing. I have a wonderful (and not so unhealthy) makhani recipe that I have really honed, I just need a good paneer to go with it.
Eva kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com

[a_boleyn]

I'll post the recipe.

[ext_1024703]

I have recently fallen in love with indian food and this sounds like a recipe we would really love at my house
thank you for the link

[a_boleyn]

I hope you and your family like it. Oh... and pick up a package of pappadums to fry up as an appetizer or to dip into either of the 2 curries.

http://a-boleyn.livejournal.com/82811.html#cutid1

The flatbreads are tasty as well.

[ext_1249139]

Thanks for the tip to come over here... sounds like a delicious chickpea stew indeed..... gotta make it soon!

[a_boleyn]

Thank you. Along with the 2 dishes above and some basmati rice you have a great meat free meal. :)