Shortcut Paneer & Veggies: Because That's Okay Every Once In A While

I am not a very big fan of shortcuts. I overthink the process of taking a shortcut - preservatives, high sodium, artificial chemical based quick fix solutions that have somehow found their way into our foods. But shortcuts are still part of our life today. We no longer grind our wheat in a local mill, we accept store bought pasta, we even have taste makers and bhuna masalas that can be bought off the shelf. Let's not even go to the aisles stocked with ketchup, mayo, peanut butter and various cheeses and salad dressings.

I usually avoid most of it. I make my own peanut butter, mayo is not a staple in my house, nor is salad dressing and we hate ketchup. But we do succumb every once in a while and go all out and use a shameless shortcut. I do not advocate doing this often - only when you are in a big rush, right? Right. Now that I have put my disclaimer up, let's do this little shortcut thing!

Name:  Shortcut Paneer & Veggies
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Recipe Source: Me
Serves: 2

You need:200 gms of paneer1/2 tsp cumin seeds2-3 veggies of your choice, diced into small pieces (I used a tomato, carrot, capsicum and fresh peas - you could also throw in some French Beans, Soy chunks, corn etc)1 tsp red chilli flakes1 pinch garam masala (optional, depends on what kind of soup sachet you are using - oh yeah, that's the big shortcut :D)Chopped coriander or kasuri methi as garnishA spoon of ghee2 small individual sachets of your favourite instant soup (I used cream of spinach, you can use Tom Yum or Veg Manchow or Hot & Sour or Cream of Tomato or Cream of Mushroom or whatever rocks your boat)

Method:- Heat some ghee. Splutter jeera and then toss in the veggies, chilli flakes. Stir about, add a dash of water and cover. Leave it on high heat.

- Meanwhile, mix the soup into a small cup of hot water and dissolve it, stirring until no lumps remain.

- Add the soup mixture into your veggies. Add a dash of extra water if you want it a little soupier. Toss in the paneer, a pinch of garam masala if your soup permits such an addition - mine did. Cover and let it all cook for 2-3 minutes.

- Garnish with a herb of your choice. Serve with rotis if you have left it slightly on the less soupy side. Or serve as a side with a pulao or spiced/herbed rice. Yum and quick!