Chickpeas and Paneer in a Spicy Creamy Cashew Gravy

I was browsing through the starred items in my Google Reader the other day and came across this mouthwatering creamy chickpea and paneer dish from Sunita's Kitchen that I have been meaning to make for quite a while now. I usually visit my friend Basil on Saturday night and as he loves paneer as much as I do, I decided it was time to make this delicious-looking dish. As usual, I have modified the original recipe somewhat to suit my own preferences. Thanks for the idea Sunita!

If the winter blues are getting you down, this dish is certain to cheer you up. The only positive thing I can say about the snow is that it gives me a chance to get some exercise with all of the shoveling that needs to be done lately. I am especially eager for spring this year. Let the global warming begin!

This is my entry to My Legume Love Affair, a popular monthly event started by Susan of the Well Seasoned Cook and hosted this month by Mirch Masala.

Chickpeas and Paneer in a Spicy Creamy Cashew Gravy

Recipe by Lisa Turner Adapted from Sunita Bhuyan Cuisine: Indian Published on March 6, 2010 Plump, buttery soft chickpeas and tender pieces of fried paneer cheese simmered in a mouthwatering spicy cashew and tomato gravy Print this recipe Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups dried chickpeas (4 1/2 cups cooked) 4 tablespoons ghee, butter or oil 14 oz (400 g) paneer cheese, cut into cubes Green paste: 1 onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced or crushed 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced or grated 3 to 4 fresh green chilies, seeded and chopped Cashew paste: 1 cup raw cashews 2/3 cup cream or milk 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads 1 large tomato, chopped Other ingredients: small handful of dried curry leaves or 1 bay leaf 2 dried whole red chilies 3 black cardamon pods, split in the middle 1-inch piece cinnamon stick 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon brown mustard seeds 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon dried red chili flakes 1/2 teaspoon cayenne 1 teaspoon garam masala 1/4 cup fresh parsley or coriander, chopped 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt, or to taste 1 2/3 to 2 cups water Preparation: Rinse the chickpeas and soak for 8 hours or overnight in enough water to cover. Drain and rinse, then transfer to a large saucepan and cover with several inches of fresh water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, then cover and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until the chickpeas are buttery soft. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons of the ghee, butter or oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the paneer and fry for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring and turning frequently, until the cubes are browned on all sides. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Using a blender or a large mortar and pestle, make a green paste of the onions, garlic, ginger and fresh chilies. Add a bit of water if necessary to blend. Soak the cashews in the cream or milk with the saffron for 30 minutes. Transfer to a blender or mortar and pestle, add the tomato, and process until the mixture is turned into a paste. Cooking instructions: Heat the remaining ghee, butter or oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. When hot, add the curry leaves of bay leaf, dried whole red chilies, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cumin seeds, mustard seeds and sugar. Stir for 1 minute or until the mustard seeds turn grey and begin to splutter and pop. Add the turmeric, ground cumin, chili flakes and cayenne to the pan, stir briefly, and then add the green onion and chili paste. Stir for several minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated. Add the chickpeas and stir for another 5 minutes. Now add the cashew paste, fried paneer cheese, garam masala, parsley or coriander, and salt. Add 1 2/3 cups of water and simmer until the gravy is thickened, adding more water as necessary to achieve your desired consistency. Serve hot with fresh cooked white rice or an Indian flatbread such as roti or naan. Makes 6 to 8 servings

More paneer recipes from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:
Paneer Mushroom Masala
Macaroni and Paneer Cheese
Kidney Beans in a Slowly Simmered Tomato Sauce
Shredded Paneer with Tomatoes, Chilies, Mushrooms and Chickpeas

On the top of the reading stack: Tales of Love & Loss by Knut Hamsun

Audio accompaniment: Drawing Of Sound by Windy and Carl