Vegetable Makhni

A delish vegetable preparation of vegetables simmered in spices and cream sauce.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup green peas, partially cooked
1 cup cauliflower florets
1 cup carrots, chopped in bite size pieces
1 cup green beans, partially cooked
10 bite size pieces of paneer (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 green chilli
1 tsp garam masala
2 tbsp cashewnut paste
1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
3 heaping tbsp tomato paste, mixed with water
Kasoori methi
Spices:
1 bay leaf
1 star anise
1/4 inch cinnamon stick
1 badi velchi
2 cloves
1 cardammom pod, opened

1. Heat oil in a pan. Place paneer pieces and roast on each side for a few minutes until browned. Set aside. In the same pan, add the caulilflower florets, season with salt and a pinch of cumin and coriander powder. Keep tossing until lighly browned.  Set aside. You can skip these steps and directly add the vegetables and paneer to the pan when we make the sauce. But I like to season and brown the vegetables a bit because it adds some extra flavor especially to paneer and cauliflower as they tend to be a little bland.
2. In a microwave, partly cook (about 5 minutes) carrots and beans in water. Drain and set aside
3. In a stainless steel pan, add 4 tbsp butter. When melted, add all the spices listed above. Add the ginger garlic paste and keep stirring. Add the cumin and coriander powder and green chillies and keep stirring so as to not burn.  Add the cashew nut paste and keep stirring. 
4. Now in a bowl, mix tomato paste with about 1/2 cup water and beat well.
5. Add the tomato paste mixture to the pan and blend well. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. You may have to add a little water to keep the curry going.
6. Add the cauliflower florets, carrots and beans and cook uncovered.  Add garam masala and cook. Add the heavy cream and stir. YOu can add extra heavy cream if you like the curry creamier.  Mix well. Add the paneer and kasoori methi. The heavy cream will leave a little bit of oil on the side. When you get a thick yet gravy style consistency, veg makhni is ready.

Serve with rice or naan.

Note: Add paneer cubes to the above dish to make paneer makhni.