Day 4- Garlic Paneer

Garlic Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) is a great appetizer for a party menu or as filling for wraps. Paneer is high in calcium and protein and easily available in supermarkets. Garlic boosts immunity, acts as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidants and promotes skin and hair growth.

Prep time : 5mins              Cooking time :10mins      Servings : 3

Ingredients:

• 300gm of paneer- cubed

• 6 large garlic cloves

• 3-4 red chillies ( seeds removed)

• 1tsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp sugar

• Handful of coriander leaves – finely chopped

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 2 small red onions

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tablespoon of mild olive oil/rapeseed oil

• ½ bell peppers –sliced ( optional)

• 1 tsp soya sauce ( optional)

Method :

1. Blend together garlic, chillies, sugar, salt and vinegar with 2-3tbsp water into smooth paste.

2. Heat a pan with oil and add cumin seeds, onion and fry for 1-2min.

3. Add the above grinded paste and cook until it thickens, usually takes 2-3mins.

4. Now paneer cubes and sauté for 2-3 minutes.

5. Finally add soya sauce and chopped coriander leaves and cook for a minute.

Tips :

• Soak the paneer in warm salted water for 5mins before cooking which makes it soft. Dry it with paper towel before cooking.

• Never overcook garlic as it would taste bitter.

• You can add bell peppers /celery along with onion.

• It can be eaten as a snack or as roll with roti/tortilla wraps.

Recipe by Dr Viswanathan