Ingredients:

  • 14 oz (400g) paneer, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp (8g) cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
  • ½ tsp (3g) salt
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
  • 1 large (150g) onion, finely diced
  • 1 tbsp (15g) ginger paste
  • 1 tbsp (15g) garlic paste
  • 2 medium (120g) tomatoes, pureed
  • 2 (5g) green chilies, slit lengthwise
  • ½ cup (120ml) low-fat plain Greek yogurt, whisked
  • 1 tsp (3g) ground turmeric
  • 1 tbsp (8g) Kashmiri red chili powder
  • 1 tsp (2g) garam masala
  • 1 tsp (5g) salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) water
  • ½ cup (20g) fresh basil leaves, chiffonaded
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

  1. Toss the paneer cubes with cornstarch and salt until lightly coated. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat and fry the cubes for 2-3 minutes per side until a mahogany-colored crust forms. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  2. In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tbsp oil. Sauté the diced onions until translucent and golden. Stir in the ginger and garlic pastes and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the tomato puree and slit green chilies to the pan; cook until the oil begins to separate from the edges of the masala.
  4. Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the turmeric, Kashmiri red chili powder, and salt.
  5. Slowly fold in the whisked low-fat Greek yogurt, stirring constantly to prevent curdling.
  6. Pour in the water or vegetable broth and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the gravy reaches a velvety consistency.
  7. Gently stir in the seared paneer cubes and garam masala, simmering for another 2 minutes to heat through.
  8. Turn off the heat. Fold in the fresh chiffonaded basil leaves and lemon juice immediately before serving to preserve the aromatic oils.