Recipe - Mattar Pannir (Home Made Cheese With Peas)

CHEESE
2 qt Milk, whole
One half cup Yoghurt, plain
2 tablespoon Lemon juice

PEAS
5 tablespoon Ghee (recipe)
2 tablespoon Ginger root; finely chopped
1 tablespoon Garlic clove; finely chopped
1 cup Onion; finely chopped
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Turmeric
One fourth teaspoon Pepper, red, hot, ground
1 teaspoon Coriander, ground
1 tablespoon Garam masala (recipe)
2 cup Tomatoes; finely chopped
1 One half cup Peas, green; fresh
or 10oz frozen, defrosted
1 teaspoon Sugar, granulated; optional
3 tablespoon Coriander; finely chopped

The Cheese: Bring milk to boil over high heat in 4 qt. saucepan. As soon
as foam begins to rise, remove from heat and gently but thoroughly stir in
yoghurt and lemon juice. Curds will begin to solidify immediately and
seperate from the whey.
Pour contents of pan into seive line with double thickness of
cheesecloth. Drain undisturbed until cool enough to handle. Wrap cloth
tightly around curds, wring out vigorously to squeeze out excess liquid.
Reserce 1 cup of whey.
Place cheese wrapped in cheesecloth on cutting board, cover with another
board or skillet and weigh the top with 15 pounds of canned goods. Let rest
68 hours until cheese is firm and compact.
Unwrap, cut into 1/2" cubes, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
The Peas: Heat ghee in skillet, add cheese cubes and fry 45 minutes,
turning gently until golden brown on all sides. Transfer to a plate as they
brown.
Add ginger and garlic to ghee remaining in skillet. Fry for 30 seconds,
stirring constantly. Add onions and salt, fry 78 minutes, stirring
occasionally, until onions are soft and golden brown.
Stir in One fourth cup whey, add turmeric, red pepper, ground coriander and
garam masala. When well blended, stir in remain whey and tomatoes. Bring to
a boil over high heat. Reduce to low and simmer covered for 10 minutes,
stirring occassionaly. Add peas and taste for seasoning. If too acid, add
up to 1 teaspoon sugar.
Remove cover, cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add cheese cubes and
1 tablespoon coriander. Cover tightly, simmer over low heat 1020 minutes
or until fresh peas are tender.
Transfer contents to a heated bowl, garnish with remaining coriander and
serve.

From Gemini's MASSIVE MealMaster collection at www.synapse.com/~gemini