Achari Paneer [Appetizer]

Achari paneer is a lip smacking recipe made with paneer (cottage cheese), yoghurt and achari masala. It is a very quick appetizer and takes hardly ten minuets to prepare. A tasty and healthy appetizer to start your dinner or lunch with.

Ingredients

Paneer / Cottage cheese 300 gms, cut in small or large size cubes
Salt to taste
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1/4 cup yoghurt

1 tbsp oil
1/4 tsp onion seed [klonji]
1 tsp coriander seed
1/2 tsp fenugreek seed
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp fennel seed
1/4 cumin seeds
 3 whole red chili

Method:

Mix paneer, yoghurt, salt and turmeric powder in a bowl and keep it aside. Place a fry pan on medium heat, and dry roast kilonji, coriander seeds, fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds, and black pepper for a minute.

When the seeds will change colour and emanate an aroma, it is time to take remove from heat and keep aside. Place the seeds in a paper towel and crush it coarsely using a rolling pin. Keep it aside.

Place oil in a pan at low heat, then add red chili, roast for a few minutes, then add the paneer mixture. Stir fry for 3 to 4 minutes till the moisture evaporates. The yoghurt should coat  the paneer and the sides will turn slighty brown. Turn off the heat, add all the spices and mix gently.

Serve it with onion and green coriander chutney.