Paneer Butter Masala with Pilau - Style Rice and Lentils

Recipe by: The Balanced Company

Take your tastebuds on vacation with our easy take on Paneer Butter Masala (or butter chicken with paneer and hold the chicken!) served with Pilau-Style Rice and Lentils! The tantalizing smell will have everyone fighting for leftovers!

Serves 2-3

Pilau-Style Rice and Lentils Ingredients:
2 tbsp avocado/olive oil
1 small yellow onion
3 slightly crushed cardamom seeds
3 whole cloves
3 whole peppercorns
1 cinnamon stick, approx. 2” long
1 2/3 cups (400mL) vegetable broth or water
¼ tsp turmeric powder
1 250g Geovita Rice & Lentil Blend Package
Salt to taste
2 tbsp butter (optional)

Paneer Butter Masala Ingredients:
2 tbsp avocado/olive oil
250g paneer
1 small yellow onion
1 285mL Spice Tailor Classic Butter Chicken Curry Kit
1 cup green peas (frozen or canned; no need to thaw if frozen)
1 tbsp butter (optional)

Directions
Rice and Lentil Pilau:

1. In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tbsp of avocado or olive oil over medium heat.
2. Peel and thinly slice 1 small yellow onion, and add to the saucepan. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, until translucent.
3. Add the green cardamom seeds, whole cloves, whole peppercorns and cinnamon stick and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Add the vegetable broth and the turmeric, and stir well. Bring to a boil.
5. Once boiling, add the 250g Geovita Rice & Lentil Blend Package and stir.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for approximately 10-12 minutes or until the rice and lentils are cooked and the broth has been absorbed.
7. Keep covered and remove from heat. Let stand for 3 minutes.
8. Add salt to taste, and butter and stir gently using a fork, trying not to break the rice.
9. Remove the whole spices from the pilau before serving.
10. Serve with Paneer Butter Masala!

Paneer Butter Masala:

1. Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp of avocado or olive oil to the pan when hot.
2. Cut the paneer into half inch cubes.
3. Working in batches, brown the paneer on all sides taking care not to crowd the pan. Remove to a plate or bowl when browned.
4. In a medium saucepan, add the remaining tablespoon of avocado or olive oil over medium heat.
5. Peel and finely chop the small yellow onion, and add to the saucepan. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, until translucent.
6. Add the spices from the Spice Tailor Classic Butter Chicken Curry Kit and sauté for 20 seconds. Add the dried chili if you want it to be spicy (omit it otherwise).
7. Add the sautéed paneer and the base sauce from the Spice Tailor Classic Butter Chicken Curry Kit and stir. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 1-2 minutes.
8. Stir in the main sauce from the Spice Tailor Classic Butter Chicken Curry Kit, and continue simmering for 3-5 minutes.
9. Add the peas and stir.
10. Remove from heat, and add the butter.
11. Serve on top of Rice and Lentil Pilau.
12. Enjoy!

To your Balanced health,
Your friends at The Balanced Company