Vegetable Navratan Kurma

Ingredients

• 150 g Paneer, cubed
• 300 g Mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, peas, cauliflower, potato, bell pepper)
• 30 g Cashews
• 15 g Almonds
• 15 g Melon seeds or sunflower seeds(optional)
• 1 tbsp Poppy seeds(optional)
• 1 medium Onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp Ginger-garlic paste
• 2 Green chilies(optional)
• 1 medium Tomato, chopped
• 80 ml Heavy cream
• 2 tbsp Yogurt
• 3 tbsp Ghee or oil
• 1 Bay leaf
• 3 Cardamom pods
• 1 inch Cinnamon stick
• 3 Cloves
• 1 tsp Coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
• 1 tsp Garam masala
• 1/2 tsp Red chili powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Sugar
• 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro and raisins for garnish(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prep (40 min total): Chop all vegetables into even bite-sized pieces. Soak cashews, almonds, melon seeds, and poppy seeds in warm water for 15 minutes, then blend with green chilies and a little water into a smooth paste.

2. 2

   Blanch the mixed vegetables in salted boiling water for 5-6 minutes until just tender; drain and set aside.

3. 3

   Heat 1 tbsp ghee in a pan and lightly fry the paneer cubes until golden on the edges; remove and soak in warm water to keep soft.

4. 4

   In the same pan, add remaining ghee. Sauté bay leaf, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves for 30 seconds, then add chopped onion and cook 8-10 minutes until golden brown.

5. 5

   Add ginger-garlic paste and cook 2 minutes, then add tomato and cook 5 minutes until soft and pulpy.

6. 6

   Stir in coriander powder, turmeric, chili powder, and salt; cook 2 minutes. Add yogurt off heat and stir well to prevent curdling, then cook 3-4 minutes until the masala is glossy.

7. 7

   Add the nut paste and cook 5-6 minutes, stirring, until the raw smell disappears and the gravy thickens. Add 1/2 cup water to reach a rich, pourable consistency.

8. 8

   Add the blanched vegetables and simmer 8-10 minutes. Stir in cream, sugar, and garam masala; simmer 3 more minutes.

9. 9

   Add the paneer, simmer 2 minutes, garnish with cilantro and raisins, and serve hot with naan or rice.