Dum paneer kali mirch

Raise your hand if you are a cottage cheese lover, I can have it almost everyday and I try to make different variations every time. Dum paneer kali mirch is one such paneer preparation which is most loved by my family. In this preparation cottage cheese is slow cooked in dum to infuse the flavours and aroma  of black pepper and other condiments in its rich creamy gravy.
For more cottage cheese recipes click the links below.
Sesame Paneer
Sunehra Paneer
Dhabe wala kadhai paneer
Ingredients:

• 200 gms cottage cheese (cubed)
• 2 medium sized onions (paste)
• 1/2 tbsp ginger garlic paste
• 2-3 green chillies
• 7-8 whole black pepper
• 1/2 inch piece cinnamon stick
• 3-4 green cardamom
• 4-5 cloves 
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp degi mirch/red chilli powder
• 1 tsp black pepper powder
• salt to taste
• 3 tbsp beaten curd
• 3-4 tbsp fresh cream
• 1 cup of water
• Oil: 2 tbsp 

For garnishing:
Some chopped coriander leaves

Preparation time: 10 mins
Cooking time: 25-30 mins
Serves: 4 

Directions :

• Heat oil in a heavy bottomed pan, add cloves, bay leaf, cardamon, cinnamon stick and whole black pepper, when they become fragrant add onion paste and cook till it browns, next add ginger garlic and green chilli paste and cook for a minute.
• Now simmer the flame, add beaten curd to it, mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes
• Add all the dry spice powders and cook for a minute.
• Now add fresh cream, cottage cheese cubes along with water, simmer the flame and seal the pan with aluminium foil and top it with a lid.
• Let it cook for 12-15 minutes. 
• Switch off the flame, adjust the seasonings and garnish with some fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with chapati, paratha, tandoori roti or rice.