Paneer ( Indian cottage cheese) is a very popular ingredient used in this recipe. The unusual one is the Makhana ( lotus seeds). Puffed lotus seeds are used in this recipe.

The lotus seeds are also called fox nut or gorgon nut. However, being low in fat and high in carbohydrates, these are nutritionally distinct from nuts and seeds. Lotus seeds are a good source of protein, carbohydrates, fibre, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron and zinc. Lotus seeds are also low in sodium.

Their low sodium and high magnesium content makes them useful for those suffering from heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. These seeds have been used extensively in traditional Oriental and Chinese medicine for their health benefits and are valued for their nutritional and healing properties.

These seeds contain an anti-aging enzyme, which is believed to help repair damaged proteins.

Lotus seeds are also known to contain kaempferol, a natural flavonoid also found in coffee which prevents inflammation and aging.

It is believed that roasted lotus seeds make a coffee substitute. In addition, lotus seeds are high on phyto-nutrients (disease fighting nutrients) including alkaloids, gallic acid, saponins.

Most significantly, the glycemic index of lotus seed is significantly lower than most high carbohydrate foods like rice, bread and others. It appears that lotus seeds may have a beneficial effect on diabetic individuals, and may be one of the more appropriate foods for them.

According to Ayurveda, lotus seeds have astringent properties that have specific benefits to the kidneys, helping to restore vital energy within the body.

The seeds can be eaten raw, roasted, or ground and boiled into a syrup or paste. The most common use of the seed is in the form of lotus seed paste, which is used extensively in Chinese pastries as well as in Japanese desserts. Dried lotus seeds may be soaked in water overnight prior to use. They can then be added directly to soups, salads or used in other dishes. Puffed seeds are used in curries, kheer, puddings and dry roasted snacks.

This is a very unique, rich and a creamy dish in which no vegetables are used at all, not even onions. It’s Tarla Dalal’s recipe. I have made few changes in it. I made this for the first time today. Have to say that it was very easy to make and was certainly very tasty. My family really liked it. This will be a good option for party menus:)

Ingredients

Paneer – 200 gms

Makhana ( lotus seeds) – 11/2 cups

Oil – 6-7 tbsps

Red chilli powder – 3/4th tsp

Kashmiri red chilli powder- 1/2 tsp

Cumin powder ( jeera) – 1 tsp

Turmeric powder – 1/4th tsp

Garam masala powder- 1/2 tsp

Warm milk – 2 tbsps

Saffron ( kesar/ kungumapoo) – a pinch
To grind to a paste

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Khuskhus – 1 tbsp

Cashew nuts – 2 tbsps

Unsweetened khoya – 100 gms

Yogurt – 5 tbsps
For tempering

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Ghee – 2 tsps

Cashew nuts – 1 tbsp

Raisins – 1 tsp

Method

Soak khuskhus and cashew nuts in little water for 15-20 mins.

Grind this along with khoya and yogurt to a smooth paste.

Soak the saffron in warm milk.

Cut paneer into cubes.

Heat 2 tbsps of oil in a pan. Shallow fry the paneer cubes till it turns golden brown. Remove and keep it aside.

Add 2 more tbsps of oil to the pan and shallow fry the makhanas till it turns crisp and golden. Remove and keep it aside.

Add the remaining oil to the pan. Add the ground paste and sauté on a low flame for few mins.

Add turmeric, red chilli powder, cumin powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder, garam masala and salt to taste. Mix well and add 1/2 cup of water. Let it simmer for few mins.

Add the shallow fried paneer and makhanas and let it simmer for few mins. Ensure that the cooking is done on a low flame.

Crush the saffron well and add it to the simmering gravy along with the milk and let it simmer for few more mins.

Heat the ghee in a pan. Add the cashew nuts and raisins and sauté till it turns golden.

Add the tempering to the gravy and serve it hot with roti or parathas 🙂