Help please- recipe interpretation?

This morning I was looking for a recipe that called for urid dal and paneer. I found one, skimmed it quickly for ingredients, decided I had everything and got on with my day. Now I have come back to make said recipe, only to find that the English is less than clear.  This is what it says:

Lentils soak in water for an hour. In water, turmeric, salt boil. Cook until soft then Add the urad dal. Remove excess water. Fried cheese keep soaking in hot water for about half an hour. Heat oil in panAdd onion and cook it longer. Add cumin fry. Tomato, green pepper and red pepper powder insert. Lentils, coriander and fried cheese Add run. Urad hot cheese is ready.  

So my interpretation is: soak the dal for an hour. Bring water salt and tumeric to boil, add the dal and simmer done. Soak the cheese for a half hour in hot water. Fry onion in hot oil and add tomato, pepper, etc. Add the cheese and lentils and you're done.

Any other experienced cooks have a different interpretation or have made anything similar?

I've never made it, but in some confusingly-worded recipes, I've looked for a similar recipe on YouTube.  That usually clears up any confusion on the process or the order. 

Good luck!   

I've never made paneer (I should though!) but I've made lots of different dals and always soak first.  Your interpretation sounds right.  It sounds delicious!

I think the recipe is first a translation and second, formatted incorrectly.  You don't soak the cooked paneer.  Here's what I'd do.

Soak lentils, then cook them along with salt and turmeric. Heat oil to fry the onion and add the spices. Add the tomato, lentils and paneer. Cook it all a bit to blend the spices.

Thanks all

Andee- you should try paneer! I don't make it often but I do love it for another veggie protein option.

Geeta- I was confused by the idea of soaking fried paneer, but a quick google search reveals that many people do this to keep it soft. I didn't read your post till just after I fried it and added the hot water so fingers crossed. 

I'll let you know how it turns out lol.

Mmmm... paneer!

I Googled the recipe and found where you got it from. It was a Google translation of a Hindi recipe. I had my husband read the original and it does say to soak the paneer first. I'm sure it will turn out fine.

Spiced paneer - http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1059/spiced-paneer

When you purchase paneer and it is a bit hard (typically from age and contact with air), soaking it in warm water softens the proteins and results in a fried cheese that is not rubbery. 

If you are making your own paneer or buying it very fresh, no need to soak if it is already soft.   Happy to explain the science if you want to geek out on cheese!! 

How did it come out Courtney?  Sounds yummy!!!!!

It was very nice! I will def make again.

It was very nice! I will def make again.

Awesome. That's my kind of food!