Paneer In Tomato Gravy (For Fasting)

“Jai Mata Di”!! “Navratri” meaning “Nine Nights” in english, is a festival dedicated to nine form of Goddess Durga. During these days, all these nine forms are worshipped and celebrated by keeping fasts in India. Today is the second day of this festival and dedicated to “Devi Brahmacharin“.

I am going to share the recipe for Paneer or Cottage cheese in Tomato gravy for specifically consuming during fasts or vrat. People have different beliefs regarding the vegetables/fruits/spices that can be consumed during these fasts. The recipe I am going to share today is as per the beliefs followed in my family. You can twist or tweak it as per your preference 🙂

List Of Ingredients: (Serves 2)

• Cottage Cheese (or Paneer) – 200 grams
• Cooking Oil/Ghee-1 tbsp
• Cumin Seeds- 1 tsp
• Medium Tomatoes-3
• Green Chillies-2
• Rock Salt- 1 tsp ( or to taste)
• Red Chilli Powder-1/2 tsp
• Dried Fenugreek Leaves (Kasuri Methi)-1 tsp (optional)
• Water-1 cup
• Fresh Coriander Leaves – 1 tbsp (for garnishing)

Steps To Prepare:

Step1:
Puree the tomatoes and green chillies together and keep it aside.

Step2:
Heat ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds to it. Once the seeds start to crackle add tomato puree to it. Add rock salt and red chilli powder to it.  Let it cook for 10-15 minutes on medium flame till it becomes thick.

Step3:
Add dried fenugreek leaves and paneer cubes to it. Mix gently. Add a cup of water, cover it with a lid and cook it slow flame for five minutes.

Garnish it with some freshly chopped coriander leaves. Paneer in Tomato Gravy is ready to be served. Serve it with “Kuttu Ki puri/Parathe” and buttermilk or curd!!