Tag: 2019

Paneer and Peas Korma

½ pound paneer, cut into small squares and soaked in warm water
2 tablespoons fresh cashews, soaked in ¼ cup warm water for 20 minutes
2 tablespoons cream
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
3 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped

Transfer the drained cashews, cream, onion, tomato, ginger and garlic to a blender. Add some water if necessary and blend till a smooth paste is formed. Keep aside.

2 tablespoons extra light olive oil
1 bay leaf
1 ½ inch cinnamon stick
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon turmeric
1 to 2 teaspoons salt
1-2 cups water
1 ½ cups frozen peas
1 teaspoon kauri methi (dried fenugreek)
½ cup cilantro, chopped

Heat a heavy saucepan with the oil. Add the bay leave and cinnamon stick and sauté for 20 seconds. Add the cashew paste and sauté on medium heat for 10 minutes. Add the cayenne pepper, turmeric, salt and water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the drained paneer and peas and bring back to a boil and simmer half covered with a lid for 10 minutes. Add the kasuri methi and cilantro. Check for seasonings and serve warm.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

I tweaked this recipe from New York Times cooking section- it is definitely one of my favorite places to get inspired as they have such amazing variety of recipes. This one reminds me of my childhood in India ordering sweet and sour chicken from a local Chinese restaurant called Suzie Wong.

2 pounds chicken breast, cut into 1 inch pieces
6 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
Mix the cornstarch with the salt and pepper and toss the chicken pieces in the cornstarch mixture.
4 tablespoons peanut oil plus more
4 to 5 dried red chilies

Heat a large non-stick frying pan with the oil on high. Add half of the chicken and cook, turning occasionally until golden brown and near cooked, about 4 minutes. Repeat with the rest of the chicken and keep aside.

½ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup honey
½ cup pineapple juice
3 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons brown sugar
3 garlic cloves, grated
1 medium onion, sliced
2 medium red bell peppers, seeded and cut into 1 inch pieces
1 cup canned pineapple chunks
3 scallions, thinly sliced

Mix the vinegar, honey, pineapple juice, ketchup, oyster sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar and garlic in a small bowl and keep aside.

Add more oil to the frying pan if needed. Heat on medium heat and add the dried red chilies. Saute for 30 seconds. Add the onion and pepper and sauté on high heat for 2 minutes. Add the sauce, pineapple chunks and the chicken. Bring to a boil and let the sauce reduce on medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, making sure the chicken is cooked through. Check for seasonings and garnish with scallions. Serve with white or brown rice.