Paneer Pazhmilagai Varuval

Paneer Pazhamilagai Varuval is a South Indian dish featuring paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and spicy, tangy tamarind sauce. 

Ingredients:

Paneer: 250 grams, cut into bite-sized cubes

Tamarind: 1 small lemon-sized ball (soaked in water and extracted to make tamarind paste)

Onion: 1 large, finely chopped

Tomato: 1 large, finely chopped

Green chilies: 2-3, slit lengthwise

Red chili powder: 1-2 teaspoons (adjust to taste)

Turmeric powder: 1/2 teaspoon

Coriander powder: 1 tablespoon

Mustard seeds: 1 teaspoon

Curry leaves: A few

Oil: 2-3 tablespoons

Salt: To taste

Sugar: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)

Chopped coriander leaves: For garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Tamarind Paste: Soak tamarind in warm water, extract the pulp, and set aside.

Fry the Paneer: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the paneer cubes and fry until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Instructions:

Prepare the Tamarind Paste: Soak tamarind in warm water, extract the pulp, and set aside.

Fry the Paneer: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the paneer cubes and fry until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Prepare the Masala:

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil.

Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.

Add curry leaves, chopped onions, and green chilies. Sauté until onions turn translucent.

Add tomatoes and cook until they soften.

Add Spices:

Stir in red chili powder, turmeric powder, and coriander powder.

Mix well and cook for a few minutes until the oil starts to separate from the masala.

Combine with Tamarind Paste:

Add the tamarind paste and salt to the pan. Mix well and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the raw tamarind smell disappears and the sauce thickens.

Add Paneer:

Gently add the fried paneer cubes to the sauce. Stir carefully to coat the paneer with the masala.

Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors.

Finish and Serve:

Optionally, add a pinch of sugar to balance the tanginess.

Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

Serve hot with rice or chapati.

Enjoy your delicious Paneer Pazhamilagai Varuval!