Maakhni sauce is a creamy cashew nut & tomato based sauce with typical Indian spices from Moghalai & Tandoori cuisines

Ingredients (Serves 6)

 

For the Maakhni Sauce –

 

1 Large Onion Cut into Large chunks

1 Cup Cashew nuts (Either raw or roasted work well)

1 Tbsp Finely Chopped Ginger

2 Tbsp Finely Chopped Garlic

1 Tbsp Poppy Seeds (Optional)

1 Tbsp Garam Masala Powder

1 Tbsp Chilli Powder

1 Tbsp Sugar

1 Tbsp Salt

1 Tsp Turmeric

½ Tsp Ground Cardamom

1 Can Tomato sauce

1 Cup Low Fat Sour Cream

1 Tbsp Butter

2 Tbsp Finely chopped Onions

 

For the Grilled Paneer (can be substituted with Tofu) & Vegetables –

 

1 Block Nanak Paneer (Available in all Indian Stores)

or

1 Package of Extra Firm Tofu Cut into 1 inch squares, ½ inch thick

Large chunks of vegetables such as colored peppers, Zucchini & yellow Squash. Sliced and Blanched Potatoes also work well

4 Tbsps of Canola Oil

2 Tbsps of Lime or Lemon Juice

½ Tsp of Garlic Powder

½ Tsp Chilly Powder

1 Tsp Sugar

1 Tsp Salt

1 Tsp Dark Toasted Cumin Powder (or regular cumin powder)

 

Method

 

 

For the Maakhni Sauce –

 

1.In a blender place Onion Chunks, Ginger, Garlic, Poppy Seeds, Cashews and blend into a smooth paste/puree by slowly adding water.

2.In a heavy bottom pan, melt butter and add finely chopped onions and sauté for a minute on medium-high flame. Add Turmeric powder and wait for 10 seconds

3.Add the Onion-Cashew paste, & ½ Cup water and sauté for 1 minute, keep adding spoonfuls of water to prevent the sauce from drying.

4.Add the Tomato Sauce, Chilly & Garam Masala Powders, Salt, Sugar and mix well.

5.Add 1 ½ cups of water, cover and simmer on medium flame for 10 minutes

6.Remove from the stove, add the sour cream and cardamom and mix well with a whisk.

 

 

 

For the Grilled Paneer/Tofu & Vegetables –

 

1.Whisk together Oil, lemon/lime juice, cumin, garlic & chilly powders, salt and sugar to make the marinade.

2.Pour the Marinade over Paneer/Tofu. Gently Toss and let is stand for 30 minutes

3.Grease & Heat a Grill Pan on high heat.

4.Grill Paneer/Tofu Blocks on both sides until golden brown lines are formed

5.Dip the Vegetable Chunks in the remaining Marinade and Grill them immediately

6.Serve the Paneer/Tofu and vegetables with warm Maakhni Sauce.