Jo makes Tomato Spiced Paneer Curry with Naan, a cosy 45 minute dinner with golden pan seared paneer cubes coated in warm spices and lemon. The curry base is built with onion, garlic and ginger, then simmered with tomato paste, diced tomatoes and zucchini before being finished with a silky milk and yoghurt stir in for a creamy, glossy sauce. Fold through spinach to wilt, brighten with lemon, then serve with warm naan, fresh coriander and toasted almonds.
Ingredients
For the Paneer
250g paneer, cut into 2 cm cubes
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp garam masala
½ tsp ground cumin
¼ tsp turmeric
¼-½ tsp chilli powder
Pinch sea salt
Squeeze of lemon juice
For the Curry
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 brown onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp turmeric
¼ tsp chilli powder (optional)
2 tbsp tomato paste
400g can of diced tomatoes
½ cup vegetable stock
½ cup milk & ¼ cup Greek yoghurt, whisked together
1 small zucchini, diced
1 cup baby spinach leaves
1 tsp honey
Juice of ½ lemon
Salt and pepper, to taste
To Serve
Naan, heated per packet instructions
Fresh coriander leaves
Toasted slivered almonds
Method
In a bowl, toss paneer with extra virgin olive oil, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, chilli powder, salt and lemon juice. Set aside for 10-15 minutes while you prep the curry base.
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the marinated paneer and cook 2-3 minutes on each side until golden. Remove and set aside on a plate.
In the same pan, add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and sauté onion, garlic and ginger for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Stir in garam masala, cumin, turmeric and chilli powder. Cook for 30 seconds to release their aromas.
Add tomato paste, stirring it into the spices, then add diced tomatoes, zucchini, and water or stock. Simmer 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in the milk/yoghurt and honey/maple syrup. Heat through (without boiling) for a few minutes until smooth and glossy.
Return paneer to the pan and fold through spinach. Let it wilt gently in the residual heat. Squeeze over lemon juice and season to taste.
Spoon curry into bowls and scatter with coriander and nuts. Serve hot with warm naan.