Paneer 65

Paneer 65 is served as an appetizer or a snack. It is a tasty alternative to the traditional Chicken 65 for a vegetarian diet.  It's especially helpful when you are serving to a mixed crowd of vegetarians and non vegetarians as you can multi-task and prepare both dishes at the same time.   Paneer 65 tastes best with homemade paneer.  I am terrible at making paneer so I buy it at the Indian market or at some of the World markets.  Nanak is my favorite ready made brand.  

1 - 14 oz package of paneer
1 Tbsp ginger/garlic paste
1 tsp garam masala powder
1 1/2 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp turmeric
1 Tbsp corn flour
salt to taste
10 thai chilies, sliced lengthwise
8 to 10 fresh curry leaves
2 Tbsp chopped cilantro leaves
oil for frying

Cut paneer into small bite sized pieces.  Mix the ginger/garlic paste, garam masala, red chili powder, turmeric, corn flour and salt together in a bowl that has a cover.  Add a small amount of water to the paste, keep the paste thick to coat the paneer pieces.  Add the paneer, stir so that all pieces are covered with the spices.  Marinate for several hours.   Heat the oil over medium/high heat.  Fry all the paneer pieces, in small batches, until they are golden brown.  Make sure your oil is hot or the paneer will absorb the oil.  Drain the pieces in a strainer to allow excess oil to drain off.  When you are done with the paneer pieces, in the same oil fry the chilies and curry leaves until they are crispy.  Top the paneer with the fried chilies and curry leaves.  Garnish with chopped cilantro.

Chicken 65

Chicken 65 was my very first post when the blog began.  It's funny to look back on those early posts.  I realize the blog, like everything does, has evolved over time and has a life of it's own now.

Enjoy :)