Meatless Monday with Zucchini Paneer

Happy Meatless Monday everyone! As a green call centre, we support the Meatless Monday movement in support of reducing meat consumption to improve personal and planetary health. On the menu tonight is Zucchini Paneer – a  perfect dish for this time of year as it is a warming and hearty. This recipe is an easy and delicious way to try something new or try a variation of a great Indian dish you already love. This Zucchini Paneer recipe comes by way of Bal Arneson, host of Spice Goddess which airs on the Food Network. Now, let’s get cooking.

Ingredients
• 3 tablespoons grape seed oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped ginger
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1 pound zucchini, cubed (about 3 medium)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 cup paneer, cut into large dice
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• pinch of salt

Directions

Place 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet and add the onion and ginger and cook for about 3 minutes. Add spices and toast for 10 seconds. Add the tomatoes, zucchini and water and cook until zucchini is tender, about 10 minutes. Add garam masala and cover with a lid.

Meanwhile, heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add remaining oil. Fry paneer cubes until golden brown. Add to the zucchini during the last 2 minutes of cooking, along with the cilantro and stir well. Season with salt.

This delicious vegetarian Indian dish will yield four portions but the recipe can be easily adjusted. One of the best things about this dish is that you can have it on the table in thirty minutes. How is that possible? If you have all the ingredients handy, the preparation shouldn’t take more than ten minutes then it’s only twenty minutes to cook – a perfect last minute meal to make on any Meatless Monday. Complete this offering with freshly cooked rice (Basmati or brown preferably) or some plain rotis. Try this variation of a popular Indian dish – you won’t be disappointed.

If you haven’t already, we encourage you to visit the Meatless Monday site to learn more. Join the movement and promote going Meatless on Mondays to co-workers and make your green call centre, office, factory, shop or salon even greener.

Enjoy!