Sometimes being a vegetarian is tough. Since I don't eat even eggs, it becomes a critical thing. Not on the choice of eating, mind you. But in terms of explaining to kids why you don't eat. I have always wanted Konda to eat nonveg. And thought if she wants to stop, she can decide when she is old enough. So every time I make chicken or mutton, I tell her that it's good for her health and she should eat.
She gets right back and asks why I don't eat. I say I don't like it, so I don't eat. She says to eat an egg at least, that's so healthy right. Now, what should I say? Finally, I lost my temper and told her never to ask me to eat again. I know poor darling was upset but I tried my best to explain. Not sure if there were better ways to make her understand more. Anyway, that left me resolving to handle things better!
This curry was also something that initiated such discussions. Parents had joined us for Sunday lunch. So we made chicken for everybody and this Paneer curry for Amma and myself. I didn't show it to Konda till she almost finished most of her chicken. Then she was upset that she wasn't given Paneer. After that, the chicken was forgotten and she finished her lunch with Paneer. She is so very fond of Paneer, it makes me feel happy but not at the risk of eating only that! This is the first time we were preparing something with such a combination. I remember eating a lot of Bengal gram subzi that my gujju colleague used to get. We used to exchange and I used to enjoy those subzis. Tasting this one, reminded me of those yummy ones!
Ingredients Needed:
Paneer/ Indian Cottage Cheese - 150 gms
Bengal Gram / Channa Dal - 50 gms
Onions - 1 medium / 100 gms
Tomatoes - 1 medium / 100 gms
Ginger Garlic paste - 1 tsp
Chili powder 1 tsp
Turmeric powder a pinch
Salt to taste
Oil - 1 tsp
Ghee - 1 tsp for frying paneer cubes.
Coriander leaves for garnish
Whole Spices
Cloves - 2
Cinnamon - 2"
Cardamom - 1
Bay leaves - 2
Red Chilli - 1 long
Method to prepare:
Soak Channa dal for 2 hrs in water. Cut Paneer into 2" cubes and fry in Ghee. Once they turn golden, remove, and keep aside. Use the same Kadai with ghee to make the curry.
Chop the onions and tomatoes very finely. Heat the oil in the same Kadai. Add the whole spices and fry for a min. Then add the onions and fry till pink. Then add ginger garlic paste. Fry till the aroma comes out.
Then add the tomatoes and simmer for 5 mins. Once it becomes mushy, add the chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt.
Drain the water from the Bengal gram and add to the Kadai. Fry for 2 mins. Then add 1 cup water or till the grams are well covered. Pressure cook for 2 whistles or till it's done.
Once the pressure is off, remove the lid and bring it to a boil so that you get a thick consistency. Then add the fried paneer. Let it cook for another 2 mins. Finally, add coriander leaves.
This goes well with Ghee Rice, Parotta, Naan.
The taste was something different and is really nice to have a different variety of Paneer than the usual stuff. I made it with both Rice and Parotta and with both, it tasted simply awesome.
Note: The curry had gravy though the picture shows otherwise. If you feel you need thickness, you can mash a handful of channa dal while adding it.
jayasree says
Chana dal and paneer seems to be a nice combination. Have never tried pairing paneer with dal.
RAKS KITCHEN says
Dont be sorry for delayed post,but be happy that u posted 😉
Looks yummy with those parathas!
The Short (dis)Order Cook says
That's a nice combination. I think for a vegetarian this would provide the perfect combination of proteins.
Shillu says
I dont enjoy eating Non-veg too. Though I love egg! I never tried making paneer with Chana dal. Let me try this weekend - I have some paneer in my fridge.
Fearless Kitchen says
This looks great. I love paneer - it's a great ingredient. Even non-vegetarians can enjoy it sometimes!
notyet100 says
nice combo,..looks delicious,..:-),..waiting eagerly for the roundup,..tk ur time,..
ANJALI J. says
wow, sri, this sounds very delicious.. never had heard abt this.
Sharmila says
I have made lauki with chana dal ... but never tried with paneer.This looks so good. 🙂
And the story is a little different at my cousins' place ...(bengalis)... the kids refuse to have nonveg and keep on a steady stream of horrifying questions like 'what part of the fish/chicken are you eating now?' and that is followed with options too.
Their parents are almost on the verge of giving up eating nonveg now. 🙂
Degchi says
I make chana dal with lauki....but first time heard about chana dal and paneer...seems interesting.
Alka says
The combo sounds terrific.....never ever thought of that !!
In my home things are just opposite.....i am fond of nonveg,but my hubby and son refuses to eat...my son cant even stand the smell of omlettes....so now i too rarely get to eat,unless my mom makes some and send me over!
indosungod says
Valli, I am not too fond of paneer but the kids like it. This is a new combination, have to give it a try.
Simran says
This sounds like a really unique way to cook paneer. Can't wait to try it
Divya Vikram says
Wow.Parottas with panneer curry..Great combo Valli..And a different wayto make paneer
sra says
This is quite different, have always thought of this combination, never got down to this.
Btw, Valli, do you know you can make chicken and mutton too with channa dal? I was taken aback when I heard of it but it's really nice if done well.
Vanamala says
this is new type curry sri.. nice recipe
SriLekha says
a friendship poem has been spread to u and enjoy it by spreading to all ur friends!
kamalagk says
different combi Valli..Looks yummy
Cham says
U re cool gal, u don't eat but make so many non-veg dishes for ur kids that is really great!
The curry is unusual with chana dhal paneer, looks delish with parothas
Kitchen Flavours says
Wow paneer and chana dal must try. Looks gr8 and yummmy.
starry nights says
You are making me feel so hungry.thanks for sharing the recipes.looks yummy.
Spices N Aroma says
Channa dal n paneer - hmmm a new combo.. I must try sometime soon!!
I mussay that your blog is really lovely.
Bhawana says
great what a combo u selected. I never had this combo so far. let me try this one :). have both the things at home.