Lazeez Broccoli Paneer - Curried Broccoli And Cheese

Today is India's 61st Republic Day which is celebrated on 26th January every year. It marks the day on which the 'Constitution of India' was adopted. In the year 1950, on this very day, the country made its transition, from a 'British Dominion' to a 'Republic'. Wishing You all Happy Republic Day. !!!

In going with the Republic day Celebrations , I decided to cook keeping in mind the colors of the Indian Flag - Deep Saffron, White and Green. Hoping you can see those colors reflected in this preparation..atleast the green of the broccoli and almost white of the paneer.

Ingredients :

• 4 -5 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 10 0z Paneer/Indian Cheese cubed
• 1 red onion chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 1 " piece of ginger
• 2 large tomatoes pureed
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 black cardamom
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chilli powder
• 1/2 tsp Garam Masala
• salt to taste
• 4- 5 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lime juice

Preparation :

• Steam cook the Broccoli until tender. (Don't really have to cook broccoli for long time- It can be even eaten raw). Then puree it in a blender.

• Shallow fry the Paneer cubes .(This step is optional.)
• Now make a puree of onion, ginger and garlic and another puree of tomatoes.
• Heat oil in a thick bottomed pan. Add the bay leaves and black cardamom. Add the onion pureed mixture. Saute till its golden brown and you no longer get the raw smell of onion.
• Add the tomato puree and fry for about 2-3 minutes and add the dry spices (turmeric powder , red chilli powder , garam masala and salt.
• Add the broccoli puree and mix well. Add the fried Paneer Cubes.
• Let it simmer on low flame for 4-5 minutes.
• Add lime juice and mix well.
• Ready to serve. This recipe serves 4.

Enjoy this Lazeez Broccoli Paneer with any Indian Bread. We savoured it with hot home made Butter Naan. I'll be back with the recipe for the Naan tomorrow. Till then Jai Hind !!!