Magic With Cottage Cheese ( Paneer )

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Paneer is such a versatile ingredient there is no limitation to use it. I have a big crush on paneer and whenever I come across any new variety with paneer I bookmark it without second thought. Because of this habit when I saw this paneer stuffed okra on my darling friend Aipi's blog n paneer kachori on another wonderfull blogger friend Santosh I was determined to try them very soon. And I did it !!

I thank them both for sharing these wonderfull recipes. My crush with paneer will continue for ever : )

Paneer Kachori

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1 tbsp corn flour
• 1/2 cup grated paneer
• 1 tbsp finely chopped mint leaves
• 3 tbsp grated carrot
• 3 finely chopped chilli
• 1/2 tsp grated ginger
• salt to taste
• oil for deep fry

Mix all the above ingredient except oil nicely then add 1/4 cup or less water to make a elastic n silky smooth dough.Divide the dough into 10 balls and with a rolling pin shape them into circles of 3-4 inch diameter.

Heat oil in a fry pan, once hot drop one puri at a time and let if puff. Make sure both the sides are golden brown before you remove from oil.

Serve hot with a cup of tea.

Paneer Stuffed Okra

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Ingredients:

• 15 to 20 medium size okra
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/2 cup diced tomato
• pinch of hing
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp oil

For Stuffing

• 1/2 cup grated cottage cheese (paneer)
• 1 tsp coriander powder (dhania)
• 1/4 tsp red chilli powder
• 1 tsp amchur powder (dry mango powder)
• 1/4 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp chopped cilantro
• salt to taste

Cooking Procedure

Wash the okra n pat it dry then n trim the edges and slit on one side lengthwise n keep aside.

Mix all the ingredients of stuffing with 1/2 tsp oil n stuff 1 tsp per okra.

Arrange the stuffed okra on a microwave safe plate, drizzle some oil n cook in microwave for 4 min on high.

In the meantime heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan, add onions,turmeric powder n hing n stir for 2 min. Then add the cooked okra to the onion mixture, sprinkle some salt n let it cook for 2 min. Stir occasionally n then add diced tomato n remaining stuffing if available. Mix softly n let them cook for 2 more min. You stuffed okra is ready.

Serve with rice or roti or as a filling for tortilla wraps.

I am sending both these recipes to

BB7 - Iron Chef hosted by Nupur

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Tags: Paneer, Cottage cheese, Paneer Bharwan Bhindi, Paneer Kachori

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Yummy Okra Masala

The world's most beautiful women, Cleopatra of Egypt loved Okra ... it was one of her secrets for her youthfullness. Okra has many health benefits too. But okra is such a delicious vegetable that we dont need to know any reason to eat it : ). I am sure everybody will agree with me !!

Ingredients:

• 20 to 25 small okra(bhindi)
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 3/4 cup chopped tomatos
• 1/2 tsp chilli powder
• 1 tbsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/4 tsp garam masala powder
• 1 tsp garlic ginger paste
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp dry fenugreek leaves
• salt to taste

Cooking Procedure

Wash the okra ,pat it in paper towel n cut both side n keep it aside

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan ,add onion ,ginger garlic paste and fry till onion become golder brown

Add chopped tomatos and fry till tomato become soft

Add all the above mentioned powders along with salt n stir for 1 more min

Switch off the stove n shift the prepared masala to a plate ,let it cool

Once it is cooled ,put the whole thing in the blender n make a smooth paste with little water n keep aside

In the same pan ,heat one more tbsp oil n fry the okras till the stickiness of the okra dissapear

Tip: Can add 1 tsp lemon juice to the okra ,so the stickiness will dissapear fast.

Add the blended paste to the okra in the pan n stir it nicely so that the masala completely coats the okra .

Add dry fenugreek leaves n mix well

Cook the okra till it become soft .

Serve hot with rotis or rice

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