Paneer Jalfrezi With Cardamom Rice

Cut your paneer into bite-sized cubes

Heat a large, wide-based pan (preferably non-stick with a matching lid), with a large drizzle of vegetable oil over a medium heat

Once hot, add the paneer cubes and cook for 3-5 min until golden, turning occasionally for even colouring

Once golden, transfer to a plate and reserve the pan

While the paneer is cooking, peel and finely slice your brown onion[s]

Return the pan to a medium heat with 2 tbsp [3 tbsp] [4 tbsp] vegetable oil

Once hot, add the sliced onion with a small pinch of salt, 2 tsp [2 1/2 tsp] [3 tsp] sugar and cook for 5-8 min or until soft and starting to caramelise

Meanwhile, boil half a kettle

Crush your cardamom pods open by squashing them with the side of a knife

Heat a pot with a lid, with a drizzle of vegetable oil and a knob of butter over a medium heat

Once the butter has melted, add the crushed cardamom and your basmati rice and stir to fully coat the grains

Add 300ml [390ml] [600ml] cold water to the pot and bring to the boil over a high heat

Once boiling, reduce the heat to very low and cook, covered, for 10-12 min or until all the water has absorbed and the rice is cooked

Once cooked, remove from the heat and keep covered until serving

While the rice is cooking, deseed your pepper[s] (scrape the seeds and pith out with a teaspoon) and cut into thin strips

Add the pepper strips to the softened onion and cook for a further 5-8 min or until starting to brown, stirring occasionally

While the vegetables are browning, dissolve your stock mix in 300ml [450ml] [600ml] boiled water

Peel (scrape the skin off with a teaspoon) and finely chop (or grate) your ginger

Peel and finely chop (or grate) your garlic

Cut your tomato[es] into wedges

Add the chopped ginger, chopped garlic, chilli flakes (can't handle the heat? Go easy!) and curry powder to the pan and stir until the vegetables are coated

Add your tomato paste and stir for 1 min, then return the golden paneer to the pan with the tomato wedges and stock

Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, covered for 5-10 min or until the tomatoes have broken down and the sauce has reduced to a curry-like consistency – this is your paneer jalfrezi

Taste for seasoning, adding some pepper if you like it hot

Fluff the basmati rice with a fork and stir in a small knob of butter – this is your cardamom rice