| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 315 | 24g | 15g | 10g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 2g | 18g | 0.6g |
I hold an immense fondness for our featured dish today – the vibrant “Jakhya Paneer: Indian cottage cheese tossed with Jakhya seeds and spices.” Just as the avenues of New York blend a mosaic of global cultures, this dish does the same, highlighting the best of Indian flavors. This culinary creation magically brings together paneer (Indian cottage cheese), Jakhya seeds (a spice indigenous to the Indian subcontinent), vibrant bell peppers, aromatic spices and more. By way of my theatrical background, I’ve learned the art of narrative and I see this recipe as a story of spices renowned in Indian households, waiting to be rediscovered in your kitchen.
The Harmony of Flavors
The Jakhya Paneer is not just another paneer dish. It captures the true essence of Indian cuisine, marked by an array of colorfully diverse ingredients, each having its rightful place in the cooking pot. The tender pieces of paneer are tossed with Jakhya seeds, a spice native to the Himalayas (which I might add, has a unique poppy, nutty flavor), and a symphony of other spices for a drool-worthy main course.
Similar to many of my favorite paneer dishes, such as paneer curry or paneer tikka, this Jakhya Paneer dish brings forth a similar mix of flavors while providing its own unique twist.
The Healthful Impact
Now, as much as we relish indulgent meals, isn’t it better when they also offer health benefits? The Jakhya Paneer is not just about taste and aroma, it’s a powerhouse of nutrients too. Paneer, for instance, is a great source of protein and calcium. Then there’s the bell peppers, packed with vitamins C and A, alongside a colorful mix of potent spices, each with its own potential health benefits. We’ve got turmeric and its antioxidant properties, coriander offering digestive benefits, and garam masala – a blend of spices known to boost metabolism.
Serving this with warm multi-grain roti or brown rice, and a side of fresh green salad can make a nutrient-rich hearty meal, making this dish not just a feast for your taste buds, but also for your health regime.
All these elements combine to create the mesmerizing culinary adventure that is the Jakhya Paneer. Its bountiful flavors, abundance of nutrients, and its unique narrative make it a dish close to my heart – and hopefully to yours too, now.
What You’ll Need
- 10 ounces of paneer (Indian cottage cheese)
- 2 tablespoons of Jakhya seeds
- 1 cup of assorted bell peppers, sliced
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped
- 3 fresh green chilies, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon coriander powder
- 1/2 tablespoon garam masala powder
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Method
Step One
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once heated, add the Jakhya seeds and let them crackle for a few seconds.
Step Two
Next, add the chopped onions to the pan and sauté them until they become translucent. Add the minced garlic and ginger and continue to sauté for another minute until their fragrance is released.
Step Three
Add the chopped green chilies to the pan, making sure to mix them well with the other ingredients. Then add the sliced bell peppers and sauté them for a couple of minutes until they begin to soften.
Step Four
Next, add the chopped tomatoes to the pan, followed by the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix all the ingredients together and let them cook for about 5 minutes, or until the tomatoes are fully cooked and the spices have blended in well.
Step Five
Cut the paneer into small cubes and add them to the pan. Stir gently to make sure all the paneer cubes are covered with the spice mixture. Cover the pan and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the paneer is soft and has absorbed the flavors from the spices.
Step Six
Finally, sprinkle the garam masala over the paneer mixture. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving your Jakhya Paneer hot.
