- 1
Start by making the spice mix that will flavour your dish rich.
- 2
Use a dry pan over medium flame to toast 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds, one teaspoon of coriander seeds, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of fennel seeds for a couple of minutes until fragrant.
- 3
This helps to release their essential oils and flavours for a more aromatic curry.
- 4
Roast it, and then it is ground into an infernal powder.
- 5
Use this spice as a base for the curry, as well as for the depth and warmth of the curry.
- 6
Having made our spice blend, let's now set out to make the main curry.
- 7
In a pan, on middle heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
- 8
The butter will give the dish lots of flavour; it is also a key element so that the curry goes nice and smooth, what you just love.
- 9
Add 15 cubes of paneer and 10 capsicum cubes to the pan when butter melts. Saut the same until the paneer cubes turn golden brown in colour and capsicum slightly tender.
- 10
The caramelising here generally manages the depth of taste.
- 11
Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, one bay leaf, four cloves, 1-inch cinnamon stick, and 3 pods of cardamom to the pan.
- 12
Saut spices for a minute till they release their aroma.
- 13
The combination of spices creates a fragrant base for this curry.
- 14
Now sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Kasuri methi. Kasuri is another name for dried fenugreek leaves.
- 15
Kasuri methi adds one of the unique flavours to the curry with a bit of bitterness.
- 16
Let the spices bloom a bit. Now add 1 chopped onion to the pan.
- 17
Saut it till the onion is translucent and soft.
- 18
It should take about 5 minutes. Now at this point, onion sweetness balances out with the spices so well.
- 19
Later, you're going to add two tablespoons of chopped mint and 1 teaspoon of ginger garlic paste.
- 20
Toss for about another 2 minutes until the raw smell of the ginger and garlic disappears.
- 21
Add some colour to that dish. Mix in the turmeric and Kashmiri red chilli powder for a mild heat and appetising colour, ¼ teaspoon of turmeric, and ¾ teaspoon of Kashmiri red chilli powder.
- 22
Mix in ¾ teaspoon of salt to taste.
- 23
Then add 1 finely chopped tomato.
- 24
Let that soften in and blend with spices; it should take about 3-4 minutes.
- 25
To thicken the texture, whisk two tablespoons of curd and mix 2 tablespoons of cashew paste. So the whole dish will become rich, and the feel in the mouth will be smooth.
- 26
Gradually add 1 cup of water, mixing properly to combine all the different ingredients well.
- 27
Bring the mixture gently to a simmer, and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes so all the flavours can come together.
- 28
Once the curry is thick, add 2 tablespoons of cream and stir to finish it luxuriously. This will add richness to the dish but balance it by cooling off the spice as well.
- 29
Finally, top it off with ¼ teaspoon of garam masala to move the flavours ahead.
- 30
Capsicum Paneer is served piping hot with fresh coriander leaves. Serve it along with naan, roti, or even steamed rice.