Indian Green Peas with Paneer

Name: Indian Green Peas with Paneer
Yield: serves 2
Ingredients: 1 cup shelled fresh or frozen green peas; 1/4 pound paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cubed; 1 tablespoon ghee, clarified butter, or vegetable oil; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric; 2 bay leaves; 1 cinnamon stick; 1/2 cup grated onion; 1 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tomatoes, seeded and chopped; 1/4 cup plain yogurt; 1/2 teaspoon garam masala (see Note); 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

December 9, 2011

My friend Gori grew up in India. She led quite a jet-setting life as a stewardess for Air India when she was just out of school. Her parents wanted her to settle down and marry, so they placed ads in the matrimonial classifieds. For three years she went out on chaperoned blind dates. Then she met Suresh. It was love at first sight and their families heartily approved. Suresh had grown up in Greenwood, Mississippi, and he brought his new bride home to the Delta. Gori taught me how to make this dish. When we get together to cook I make her tell me their love story just about every time.

Cooks' Note

Garam masala is an intense spice blend used in Indian cooking. Look for it in specialty shops or at your favorite online spice merchant.

Recipe notes

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