Eggplant Yougurt Curry(दही बैंगन)

While growing up I have eaten this sabji very often. Now also when I don't have much time and want to eat on lighter side, I opt for this sabji.

Ingredients:-
(1). 1 medium size eggplant
(2). 1 teaspoon mustard seed
(3). 1 teaspoon cumin seed
(4). 2 table spoon oil
(5). salt to taste
(6). 1 table spoon red chili powder (optional)
(7). 2 teaspoon coriander powder
(8). 1 teaspoon garam masala (optional)
(9). 1 teaspoon asafoeteda
(10). 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
(11). 2 cup fresh yogurt
(12). half cup water
(13). chopped coriander leaves

Recipe:-
Cut eggplant into half inch pieces. Take oil in non-stick pan, add mustard and cumin seed, once seeds started cracking add asafoeteda and eggplant. Add salt ,turmeric powder and water. Let it cook until vegetable is started to become soft (about 12-15 mins on medium-high setting).(Insert toothpick in eggplant and if goes easily inside the eggplant it means eggplant is cooked)
If you think vegetable is not done and water in the pan is becoming less , add little more water. Once eggplant is cooked add red chili powder, coriander powder and garam masala , mix well in sabji(curry) and let it cook for another 3-5 minutes. Switch of the stove. Take the non-stick pan from the hot stove , let the curry cool for 5 minutes and then add yogurt. Make sure yogurt is mixed very well with eggplants. Garnish the dish with chopped coriander leaves.

Serve it with hot any type of hot parathas or rice.

Tip:-Instead of adding red chili powder, coriander powder and garam masala in sabji you can mix all these in yogurt with little salt and mix this spiced yogurt into dish.

Paneer Tikka Masala(पनीर टिक्का मसाला )

Another one of my favorite Punjabi dish. Main vegetables are onion, tomatoes, bell pepper and paneer.You can find paneer at pretty much any Indian grocery store and some big retail store such as Costco also now carry it.

Ingredients:-

(1).  3 big tomatoes 

(2). 2 small onions

(3). One cup cubed cut paneer

(4). 1 medium size bell pepper(red or green)

(5). 2-3 table spoon oil

(6). 1-2 teaspoon asafoeteda

(7). Salt to taste

(8).1 table spoon red chili powder(or to taste)

(9). 1 teaspoon garam masala

(10). 1 teaspoon chhole masala (chana puri masala)

(11). half  teaspoon turmeric powder

(12). 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

(13). 1 teaspoon ginger paste

(14). 1 teaspoon chopped garlic(optional)

(15). half cup whole or 2% milk

(16). Coriander leaves for garnishing

(17). Cashew halves(optional)

Recipe:-

Cut bell pepper and  one onion into big chunk(kind of square).  In nonstick pan take 1 table spoon of oil , add pinch of asafoeteda and add paneer into it, cook the paneer from all side( they should look little brownish in color/grilled). Take the paneer out on paper towel to remove unnecessary oil. In the same pan add cut bell pepper,onion and pinch of salt, let it saute for 5-7 minutes, if you think vegetables are sticking add little bit of water. Once it is done take them out in one bowl. We want to keep vegetable little crunchy.

Dice the tomatoes and remaining onion.
In the same nonstick pan take 2 table spoon of oil and add cumin seeds. When seeds starts cracking, add asafoeteda ,onion and pinch of salt. Saute onion till it turns golden brown then add chopped garlic,ginger paste,tomatoes, turmeric powder, garam masala ,chhole masala in it. Let it cook for  5 minutes on medium flame. Take the gravy from the stove , once it cool down a bit put in in mixture to make puree or you can use hand blender to make puree. Start the stove, add puree and add red chili powder and let this cook for 6-7 minutes if you think it is getting thick fast add half cup water. Now add paneer, sauted vegetables and salt to taste. Cook for 5 more minutes and switch off the stove. Slowly add half cup milk into dish and stir it well. Garnish with the dish with coriander leaves and cashews.

Serve it hot with butter naan or parathas. You can also serve it with pilaf or basmati jeera rice.

Paneer Tikka Masala 

Paneer Tikka Masala 

Tip:-  If you don't have paneer you can use organic extra firm tofu just grill in oil to get more firmness.