PPM Paneer (Panch Puran Masala Paneer) - Cottage Cheese with Indian Spices

 

As I opened my blog to write this post, I realized that it is almost 1 year since I posted something here. I was obviously cooking and clicking all year through. I guess I was just lazy to update it here and keep my personal log updated. I have resolved to be a little more active this year.

A friend of mine told me about Panch Puran Masala. I googled up on it and came to learn that it is a heady mixture of aromatic Indian spices which is used in Bengali cooking. You can check the Wikipedia link here

As the link states, I have reduced the amount of Fenugreek Seeds because I don't like the bitter taste. Instead, I added Caraway Seeds (Ajwain/Omum/Ayamodagam) because I like the distinct flavor it imparts.

 Panch Puran Seasoning – 1-2 tsp 

    (Panch Puran Seasoning is a mix of equal measure of 5 items. You can mix it and store it in an air tight container.) 

 1 tbsp. Mustard Seed

1 tbsp. Cumin Seeds (Jeera)

1 tbsp. Fennel Seeds (Perunjeeragam)

1 tbsp. Nigella Seeds (Kallonjee/ Kala Jeera)

½  tbsp Fenugreek Seeds (Methi/ Vendyam/ Uluva)

 ½ tbsp. Caraway Seeds (Ajwain /Omam/Ayamodagam)

(I found that using 1 tbsp of Methi makes it very bitter and not to my liking, so I used ½ tbsp Methi/Fenugreek/Uluva and ½ tbsp. Caraway Seeds)