23 September, 2008

Paneer Makhani/Paneer Butter Masala for Second Blog Anniversary Celebration

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Paneer Makhani/Paneer Butter Masala

Yes, tomorrow it will be 2 years since I created this blog and I did pinch myself to make sure I was not dreaming. For someone who loves changes and new adventures in life I have impressed and surprised myself by sticking to this blog for last 2 years. What a fabulous journey it had been…


Were you aware of the fact that I created this blog out of boredom?! Yup, that’s me; totally unpredictable and bit wacky ;) Moving to complete new and different country with new challenges to face upon, I had no idea what I wanted to do. From being a centre of attention among family and friends, I was pushed to face the new world filled with strangers on one of the peak winter days and for a tough shelled Cancerian it was not really an exciting prospect. I hid myself in a tough shell to protect myself from bitter cold days and I would have been hibernating there for very long time if not for this golden sunshine in the form of Blog world. That was when I started my personal blog Crabby Bites, expressing each and every emotions of daily life. It was just few weeks later I started writing few recipes learnt from my Amma, Ajji, Atte and aunts, a personal copy of recipes which served as reference while cooking. Soon I realised I needed new space dedicated to recipes and hence Spice Corner, now known as Monsoon Spice, was born.


It was my space, my corner where I started posting recipes for myself. Few days after that I received a very first comment from someone I didn’t know. That is when I realised there was someone out there who didn’t know me, but still they were moved enough to reach out and leave their trail. Today, even after 2 years of blogging whenever someone leaves their small notes I can’t help but get the same thrill I got it for the first time. Strange world we live in! I feel connected with most of you whom I have never seen or met before. Through blogging I have met hundreds of thousands of wonderful people- bloggers, bakers, food photographers, writes, chefs, readers, and even virtual world strangers who have become real world friends. So thank you, thank you and thank you to all you wonderful people (both friends and strangers) who have left their mark in my small world. It was truly an amazing journey with you people who have injected more spice into my already spiced life ;) Once again, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who have left your trail here on Monsoon Spice!


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Paneer Makhani/Paneer Butter Masala

A birthday celebration is not complete without delicious food. Being a spice lover I couldn’t convince myself to make any sweets or dessert and yup, opted for something which my darling guinea pig/lab rat loves ;) What he loves, he always gets and he loves Paneer Makhani or Paneer Butter Masala. This was my way of saying big Thank you to my much better half who patiently waits till I finish cooking and clicking without any complaints :) We rarely use Paneer in our kitchen but whenever we use it we make sure that it gets full credit. Paneer Makhani or Paneer Butter Masala is one such dish which is very rich and flavoursome. Use of cashews, poppy seeds and fresh cream makes this quite fattening but remember, this is once in a while indulgence. My recipe is very simple and straight forward. I use two different, flavourful pastes made using onions and tomatoes ground with few spices. Addition of Kasuri Methi and fresh cream simply jazzes up this already creamy delight. Make this curry when you want to celebrate some special occasions or indulge when you want to uplift your moods and I can guarantee that it will be one meal to that everyone will remember for very long time. Off this goes to Ruth who is guest hosting this month's MM-Sensational Sides, started by gorgeous Meeta.

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Ingredients for Paneer Makhani/Paneer Butter Masala: Paneer, Kasuri Methi, Onion & Tomato Paste

Photobucket Print This Recipe
Paneer Makhani/Paneer Butter Masala (Fried Indian Cottage Cheese in a delicious Onion-Tomato Gravy)
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cooking Time: 25-30 mins
Serves: 4-5
Ingredients:
1 block Paneer, cut into 1 inch cubes (approx 2-3 cups, I used store bought)
2-3 tbsp fresh Cream (I used single cream)
1 tsp Sugar (Optional but recommended)
1 tbsp Kasuri Methi/Dried Fenugreek Leaves
1 tbsp+1 tbsp Oil/Ghee
2 tbsp Coriander Leaves, finely chopped
Salt to taste

Ground to Fine Paste:
For Onion Paste:
1 large or 2 medium Onions
½ tsp Jeera/Cumin Seeds
1 inch Cinnamon
3 Cloves
3 Green Cardamoms
1 Bay Leaf
½ tbsp Khus-Khus/White Poppy Seeds
3 cloves of Garlic
1 inch Ginger

For Tomato Paste:
1 can chopped Tomato/3 Large Juicy Tomatoes
10 Cashews
1 tsp Garam Masala
1 tsp Kitchen King Masala (Optional but recommended)
¼-½ tsp Amchur/Dry Mango Powder (Adjust acc to taste)
½ Turmeric Powder
½ -1 tsp Kashmiri/Deghi Chilli Powder (gives lovely bright red colour)
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Paneer Makhani/Paneer Butter Masala

Method:
Heat 1 tbsp oil or ghee in a pan and add paneer blocks. Fry these pieces on both the sides till they turn golden, about 3-5 mins, and place them in a bowl of water for about 15 mins. It’s best to fry them in batches if you can’t fit them in a pan in single layer.
Grind onion and tomato paste with all the ingredients listed above to smooth consistency separately and keep it aside till required.
Heat another tbsp of oil in a same pan and add cumin seeds. When it starts to sizzle and turn light brown in colour, mix in onion paste. Keep stirring at medium heat till onion paste turns light brown in colour and becomes little dry, about 6-8 minutes. This is an important step as if the paste is not fried well it will make the gravy bitter. Make sure that you continously stir the paste and it doesn’t stick to the pan.
Now add kasuri methi and sugar and stir for another minute.
Mix tomato paste and stir well. Simmer the heat and let it cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring in between to make sure it doesn’t stick to the pan.
Increase the heat to medium and add a cup of water, salt to taste and mix well. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes. Open the lid and adjust the seasonings.
If you find the gravy too thick, add about another ¼-½ cup of water. Drain water and mix in fried paneer pieces and cream. Simmer the gravy and let it cook uncovered for another 5-7 minutes.
Switch off the flame and mix finely chopped coriander leaves. Serve it hot with any Roti or Jeera/Saffron Rice and enjoy. It tastes better the next day.


Other Paneer recipes blogged so far,

77 comments :

  1. Wow congrats on the second anniversary..It was nice to have know you through your posts:)

    Paneer makhani is definitely a royal treat!!!

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  2. Happy 2nd birthday to moonspoon spice :-)
    Delicius way to celebrate it with the paneer dish.
    Hi hi my hubby is also cancerian

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  3. Wow Sia, the paneer and the gravy looks yummy. Can't wait to try this recipe.

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  4. Congratulations, Sia! Here's wishing us many more years of your blogging!

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  5. happy birthday dear sia @ monsoon spice

    and congrats supriya for all the credits for your effort

    priya

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  6. CONGRATS SIA,HAPPY BLOGVERSARY AND MANY MORE TO COME.
    Makhni bookmarked and will post my version when I celebrate my first blogversary ;D

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  7. Happy Happy Happy 2nd blog anniversary and wish you many more.Great combo to celebrate, looks yum. Hugs to you and enjoy!:))

    Got to run and pick up Tushar from school. Kitchen will be gone on Oct 6th, stainless steel appliances are ready to go and are in the garage. No cooking in the kitchen for me for the next 6-7weeks!

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  8. Ok first things first....Happy 2nd blogoanniversary...u had came a long way dear...
    Then comes the blog out of boredom part....yeah i too started blogging under same state of mind...feeling frustrated about living my life by doing thankless jobs (now don't think i look down upon them...i feel proud infact,that its me who manages my home)but when no body acknowledge the efforts u put in day in and day out,life starts feeling dull.My hubby suggested learning programming ,but considering that i m technically CHALLENGED person i ran miles away from that thought.Thts when he suggested food blogging,since i love to cook,and blogging doesnt requires too much technical knowledge ,i was in for this game...and am i enjoying it??no marks for guessing....
    Now lets come to the recipe...well butter paneer is so regularly made in our home that by now i m just fed up of making it,but my family still keep demanding,and i must say that my procedure is almost similar to urs..
    Last but not least,photography...hmmm no point in saying same words again and again...u rock dear....

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  9. wow... Congratulations!!! You are so right about the appreciation mails/comments..... It still feels so good, even after so long, doesn't it??!?! Paneer looks beautiful!

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  10. Happy 2nd blogversary, dear Sia...its been a real pleasure to have known you.And what a yummy and spicy way to celebrate it!

    Here's to many, many more years of blogging!

    Hugs,
    Sunita.

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  11. Great pic. Lovely paneer butter masala. Happy Anniversary!

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  12. beautifully written..luved the name monsoon spice and how it evolved from your personal blog sia. wonderful pictures...it was like viewing panner near me so close...so big...yummy! drooling.....i have few already chosen ones for T&T..may b i need to this one too :) all the best and congrats on your blogs bday!!Wish you more and more success!!!!!!

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  13. btw did u get any mail from me?I sent it twice but still no reply from you so just wanted to confirm if i t reached u :)

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  14. Congratulations Sups. It has been great knowing you through the blogs and top it all you are a great cook and look forward to your creations.

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  15. Hi Sai,

    Good Job and Congrats on your blog anniversary. You blog has such amazing photos that makes one want to try out the recipes. When I first started blogging this year I used to visit your blog and think that your blog looks so clean and artistic. Keep up this good job.

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  16. lovely curry sia..A Big Congratulations :)

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  17. Wish many more Happy Bloganniversary :)
    Ur blog is a "yummilious" veg repertoire :)

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  18. Congratulations on your second anniversary, Sia. Whatever your reasons for creating it, you have done a wonderful job!

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  19. Heartiest Congratulations on your second anniversary from a fellow cancerian, Sia ! Your brain child is truly brilliant in all aspects...range of recipes, beautiful photographs, nice manner of narrating your stories ! here's to many more anniversaries !

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  20. mmm...Paneer Makhani looks heavenly!!

    Congrats on completing 2 yrs...what a perfect recipe to clebrate! :)

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  21. Congrats on your 2nd blog anniversary Sia. Hope to see many many more anniversaries.. Paneer makhani looks yum..

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  22. Congratulations on reaching this milestone..your paneer makhani looks wonderful...perfect and the pics are looking great,I loved the peacock in the fabric used as a backdrop for the paneer dish...very ethnic :)

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  23. What a lovely post Sia, happy blogday! I
    've only just started out and like you I'm amazed that I've stuck at it for this long, only a couple of months now. The encouragement when I receive comments is amazing, to know you are appreciated.
    Yours has to be my favourite Indian food blogs, it's one of the first I found a while back looking for the difference between maida and atta.
    I've learnt to make paneer, so I'll definitely be back for this recipe...

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  24. tht sounds so much like me, getting bored quickly, needing excitement, something new and diff everyday......congrats on ure 2nd blog anniversary. u do a great job. loved the gravy of the paneer dish. happy blogging.

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  25. Absolutely stunning pics and want to try it ASAP..

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  26. Supriya, A Hearty Congratulations on 2nd Anniversary to your blog...!!!
    Your Paneer Butter Masala is so tempting and inviting.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Sonu:)

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  27. Supriya, A Hearty Congratulations on 2nd Anniversary of your blog...!!!
    Your Paneer Butter Masala is so tempting and inviting. Pixs are nice too...
    Thanks for sharing.
    Sonu:)

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  28. looks perfect. i'm sitting and drooling here and i dont have paneer ;-(

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  29. Wow, the curry is looking so delicious. I am literally drooling here..

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  30. Congratulations on the milestone dear Sia and looking forward to more and more to come.

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  31. What an absolutely beautiful and colorful dish!

    Congratulations on 2 year anniversary.

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  32. hey sia... first of all hearties congratulations for completing 2 glorious years of blogging... you are a star of food blogging and will always be so... blogging or no blogging...
    i have idolized you... have made a few of your recipes a regular at my place... you palak tofu, i tried your lauki chana... believe me had it been anybodyelse i would have thought how whacky an idea... but i blindly follow you... and beleive it or not... i even cut it in those semi circular ways you did.. :)
    kasoori methi had become an integral part of my kitchen, thanks to you...
    had always been a fan of kitchen king... but u strenghtened the following even more...
    ginder garlic have also become as essential... :)

    thanks a ton is all i can say ....
    sorry for spamming your comment space with this longy comment....

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  33. whoah! those paneer pieces are browned so perfectly!

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  34. Congratulations on your blog's second anniversary!
    and what a beautiful creation it is!

    Keep at it!

    And those pieces of paneer, nicely browned, look delectable!

    Aaaaaah! Lucky guy!
    :-P

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  35. Happy 2nd b'day to your blog :)
    I have enjoyed your posts..recipes and it has been great knowing your cheerful personality :)hope we will see next year the same day, celebrating and wishing :)

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  36. wow! its looking delicious! bookmarked ur recipe!

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  37. Wishing your Monsoon Spice a very very happy anniversary Sia.I am new to blogging,you are one of my fav blogger so far,i bookmarked your blog for feast to my eyes,Honestly I never tried anything from your blog,just for your anniversary i am going to try one,But it always is my fav,every morning i woke i check my mails and i check your blog also,Credit goes to your husband for the lovely photographs,Happy Blogging.

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  38. Hi sia
    Mouthwatering recipe and pictures. i have tried many recipe of yours. But first time to comment. your recipes are all lengthy process but it gives out amazing results. Thanks for such amazing and mouthwatering recipes.

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  39. congrats for completing two yrs of bloggin,..panner looks yum,..
    ;-)

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  40. Sia, Heartiest Congrats on your 2nd blog-versary! Enjoy your posts-pics+writeup! Keep it up!
    The paneer butter masala looks luscious! I discovered the recipe on net while on vacation and made it thrice over there on popular demand! The fresh paneer in India makes it all the more worthy!

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  41. well I never go back not feeling elated with your writings and beautiful pictures...so the pleasure has been mine too...so thank you for taking pains to create such a beautiful blog...and Congrats and wishes for many more years!

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  42. Sia happy second Bloganniversary! keep goin ...Paneer dish looks too good:)

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  43. Hey Sups! Hearty Congratulations my dearest. This friday is my blog's second anni as well!!

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  44. Congratulations! Love the paneer dish, and I never knew that dry fenugreek leaves are used in this. Lovely pictures, and the Kadai looks perfect:-)

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  45. lovely dish & a Big congrats on completing 2 years ... it takes a lot of perseverance to perpetually blog ... a lot of us start with a big bang N suddenly we all lose interest .. So congrats once again on completing 2 years ,,

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  46. Congratulations Sia, a happy birthday to your blog :).
    I haven't used paneer in a long time now. Paneer makhani is a all time favorite :).

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  47. Sia

    Many happy returns for your blog and keep 'em recipes coming. Your recipes and posts are a visual treat and a victual delight.

    Have a great day
    -altoid

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  48. First of all Congratulations on your 2 years completion Sia.
    And about your paneer makhani, its awesome. Looks delicious!! I'll definitely give a try and let you know.
    luv
    Ramya

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  49. dearest sia darlin', congratulations on the big 2!!! been such a pleasure reading ur posts & drooling at ur yummy pics :) may u blog long & thanks for ur support on mine!
    Paneer... what a fun celebration ;) hugs, Richa

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  50. Looks delicious! I just posted about my first paneer making experience on my blog last week. Love your site and will be visiting and trying recipes regularly!

    Arika
    My Yummy Life

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  51. Wow! 2 years already? You are an amazing blogger and can I just tell you that I, for one, am really really glad that you found yourself bored?! Your site is just a treasure trove for foodies. As always, your paneer looks beautifully photographed in a perfect setting to show off its richness. Congratulations, dear girl! :)

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  52. Hi Sia...I'm a big fan of monsoon spice, its always in my fav. list.
    All ur recipes are so alive and tempting that u don't even have patience to cook it. What to say abt ur photography..ur photographs are like rainbow... u can watch it for hours( and then ur hungry)
    Thanks for sharing all ur recipes...Congratulations for second anniversary...
    looking forward for lot more

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  53. I wish you a Happy Second Blog Anniversary.Thank you very much for your contributions and hope you contribute much more to the world of cooking.
    Hats off to you because you have made my cooking experience delightful.

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  54. I wish you a Happy Second Blog Anniversary.Thank you very much for your contributions and hope you contribute much more to the world of cooking.
    Hats off to you because you have made my cooking experience delightful.

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  55. Congratulation on the second anniversary, Sup! So true with me too, starting blogging out of boredom and then the surprise of "meeting" really nice people and forming wonderful e-friendships. Wishing you many many more, Sup!
    Virtual hugs to you on your anniversary! Paneer makhani looks awesome!

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  56. Hey supriya, Heartiest congratulations! I am so proud of u my dear cousin. Well Done and keep it up. I'll definitely try this recipe soon.
    swati

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  57. Happy Birthday to your blog Sia! A lovely post..and dish. Paneer makhni is an absolute favorite at home.

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  58. wow supriya, the paneer looks yum! Congrats on blog anniversary and wishing many more delicious years of blogging and cooking!

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  59. happy blog anniversary dear Sia! Here's wishing many more birthdays.

    Paneer makhani is such a delicious, rich treat for the occasion.

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  60. Sia,
    congrats on 2 anniversary and wish you many more to come .
    Food and cancerians are in separable LOL, Loved this version of paneer butter Masala ..
    hugs and smiles

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  61. Congrats on ur reach to the 2 year milestone in blogging sia!
    Pictures are so nice as usual!!

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  62. Congratulations Sia...You deserve it. The paneer looks yummy....

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  63. Wow, Sia that is a wonderful milestone. I remember we started our blogs at the same time. It's an honour to be celebrating with you. Keep up the good work and the gorgeous recipes!

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  64. Wow.. !! This looks so yummy !! Congrats on having this wonderful blog and continuing to do it.. !! Great job !

    I hope you have seen the Yummy Festival Feast - Diwali event I have announced this week..

    http://pallavi-foodblog.blogspot.com/2008/09/announcing-event-yummy-festival-feast.html

    Thanks for the tips about hosting again !! And looking forward to your participation..

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  65. "This was my way of saying big Thank you to my much better half who patiently waits till I finish cooking and clicking without any complaints :)"

    Hey Sia,I thought it was your hubby taking photos,I misunderstood,If it is you who is taking these awesome pics...I am AMAZEED...It looks pleasant,Just to see the pics itself I used to roam here and there in your blog...Great Job Siaaa

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  66. Happy 2nd Blog-o-anniversary Sia, though a bit late.! Nice post. Paneer looks yummy..:)

    Cheers,
    Siri

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  67. Congratulations Sia - your love for your blog shows in each of your posts and beautiful pics. And your passion for cooking shows in each of your recipes...looking forward to many more years of blogging!

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  68. I'm a bit late (as seems to be my style these days) but the wishes are heartfelt. Wishing you many more years here blogging for yourself and for us too.:)
    Btw, this has to be my daughter's most "favouritest" paneer dish, PBM in our parlance at home.

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  69. I am late to your blog birthday sorry! i hope you have some of this paneer left over for me! thanks you so much for your entry sia!

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  70. happy second blog anniversary !! sorry sia, for wishing late. Have been having a lot of changes in my life and couldn't blog hop much. Wishing you the best !

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  71. This looks delicious!!!! A great entry to the mingle, thank you!

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  72. Mmm makhani sauce is always delicious and satisfying.

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  73. I just want to say THANK YOU! I made this for my friends who came over yesterday..took me some time ...but it was well worth the effort! everyone loved it!!! this recipe is a keeper! thank you! cant wait to try your other recipes...

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  74. i made this for my friends yesterday....they cdnt stop complimenting me..it took a while to make it though..but worth it. thank you!! cant wait to try other recipes!

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  75. One of the best Paneer Makhani recipes out there. A must try in my opinion..

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Namaste! I am Sia and welcome to Monsoon Spice, my virtual home. Thank you for all your comments, inputs and feedback. I really appreciate the valuable time you spent browsing through my recipe repertoire.

I hope you have found what you are looking for today. Feel free to leave any questions or queries you have on the recipes posted here. If you have any recipe requests, please drop a line at Ask Sia page. I will try to respond to all your queries as soon as possible to best of my knowledge.

I welcome all your valuable inputs and constructive criticism as long as it is meant to help and improve the blog. I reserve the right to delete any comments that are rude, abusive, written with the intent to advertise, contain profanity or considered spam.

I hope that you will stop by again to read my rants, learn new recipes and share your ideas. Have a good look around and enjoy your time here. Thank you once again!