1cupfirmly packed methi/fenugreek leaveschopped fine
225gramspaneercubed
1teaspooncoriander powder
1/4teaspoonturmeric powder
1/4teaspoongaram masala powder + more to sprinkle on top
1/2teaspoonred chili powder
saltto taste
2tablespoonsheavy cream
1.5cupswater
1teaspoonkasuri methicrushed
Instructions
Make the onion-cashew paste
To a pan on medium heat, add 1 cup water, roughly chopped onion, ginger, garlic, cardamom pods (I crush them before adding), sliced green chili and cashews.
Simmer for 15-20 minutes on medium heat. Onions will be really soft by then and almost all water would have evaporated.
Remove pan from heat and let the mixture cool down a bit.
Grind to a smooth paste using your blender or food processor. You don't need to add any water here since the mixture already has little water it in and will grind quite easily. Set aside.
Make the curry
Add 2 tablespoons ghee in pan on medium heat.
Once the ghee is hot, add cinnamon stick and bay leaf to it. Saute for 30 seconds or till you get a nice aroma.
Now add the ground onion-cashew paste. Cook this for 3-4 minutes.
After the paste has cooked for 3-4 minutes, add all dry spices - coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chilli powder and garam masala powder.
Also add the chopped methi. Cook the spices with the methi for 2 minutes.
Then water , salt and let the curry simmer for 3-4 minutes. This will also cook the methi leaves.
Add heavy cream and mix.
Add paneer cubes and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
And finally add crushed kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) and sprinkle little garam masala on top.
Remove pan from heat. Serve methi malai paneer hot with roti/paratha.