Mutter Paneer - Skillet Peas and Paneer(Indian Cottage Cheese)

Mutter Paneer - Everyone has their own version of this simple,easy and fabulous North-India dish. And this one is mine.Eat this delicious side-dish with Ghee(Clarified Butter) Rice, Lime Rice, Grapefruit Rice or Roti.I for one, eat it as is.

Ingredients:

• Sweet Pea, Fresh or Frozen - 2- 21/2 cups (12 ounces)
• Paneer(Indian Cottage Cheese) - Cubed
• Cumin Seeds - 1 tsp
• Garam Masala Powder - 1/2 tsp
• Chilli Powder  - 1 tsp (Optional)
• Clove - 2
• Milk - 1 cup
• Oil - 3 tbsp
• Salt for taste

For the Gravy:

• Yellow Onion - 1, large, peeled and roughly chopped
• Ripe Roma Tomatoes - 2, diced
• Garlic Cloves - 2
• Ginger - 1/2 inch, peeled and diced
• Peppercorns - 1/2 tsp
• Cashew Nuts or Walnuts - 1/2 cup

Procedure:

• In a saute pan, add a tbsp of oil and add all the gravy ingredients except the nuts. Saute until the onions are browned. Add the Nuts of choice and stir for a minute or two. 
• Completely cool the mixture and grind it to a fine thick paste.
• In the same saute pan(don't wash it after sauteing the gravy ingredients), add another tbsp of oil and add the cumin seeds. Now add the Paneer and shallow fry until lightly browned. Set aside on a plate.
• To the same saute pan, add the remaining tbsp of oil and add the clove and peas. After a couple of minutes, add the ground paste.
• Sprinkle salt, garam masala and check for taste. If needed, add chilli powder for more heat. Add the milk, lid the pan and let it cook on medium flame for 7-8 minutes.
• When the gravy thickens, add the fried paneer and gently combine.
• Serve hot with choice of Rice or Roti.