oh great, and lentils is a good one too! I used chick peas for a while and that was pretty nice, but I tired of it eventually

I've used paneer in biryani and it's very good (I love both paneer and biryani). I marinate the paneer beforehand for at least an hour (or two): in a mixture of about 1 tbsp oil, 2 tbsp thick yogurt, 1 tbsp garlic-ginger paste, 1/2 tsp garam masala powder, 1/2 tsp dried fenugreek, and some fresh mint chopped very fine. Makes the paneer a bit more flavorful.

I've never made my own paneer - have to try this!

oh nice! I always marinate too, in a similar way but with different spices (biryani masala, tumeric and chili powder) and lemon juice instead of mint. This sounds really nice though, I'm gonna try it for a change.

also my former Indian housemate used to make this great curry with both potatoes and paneer and I've tried to replicate it but it wasn't the same. I miss that guy

I'm going to try your marinade next time, Marie - thanks for listing the spices.

Sorry your Indian housemate moved out, especially after preparing delicious Indian meals. Indian is my favorite cuisine (although I don't like overly spicy food, which doesn't really make sense!). The mother of a friend from India stayed with us one weekend - I told her how much I love papadums and she prepared them over the gas flame on the stovetop while I held back her sari so that she wouldn't be set ablaze, lol.

*immature laughter*

lovely! I once set myself on fire with a gas stove, fun times. I wasn't hurt at all, miraculously

That's really scary - glad you weren't hurt! :( I've had my share of kitchen mishaps; once I was slicing something with a mandolin without a protective glove and nearly sliced off two fingers.

You're running the whisk of being reported. :p: