Paneer Coconut Curry – South Indian Style
Summary
- A delicious and versatile South Indian style curry featuring soft paneer cubes simmered in a rich, creamy coconut milk gravy with aromatic spices. This easy-to-make dish offers a wonderful balance of tanginess and sweetness, perfect for a flavorful vegetarian meal.
All Ingredients - Main Ingredients
- Paneer 12 oz
- Coconut Oil 1 Tbsp
- Mustard Seeds 1 tsp
- Asafoetida (Hing) 1/4 tsp
- Curry Leaves Few
- Onion 1 medium (chopped)
- Salt To taste
- Garlic 1 Tbsp (chopped)
- Ginger 1 Tbsp (chopped)
- Green Chilies To taste (chopped)
- Tomatoes 2 medium (chopped)
- Coriander Powder 1 tsp
- Cumin Powder 1/2 tsp
- Red Chili Powder 1/2 tsp (or to taste)
- Turmeric Powder 1/2 tsp
- Water 1/4 cup
- Coconut Milk 14 oz can
- Tamarind Paste 1 tsp
Tools You'll Need
- Pan
Don't have an ingredient? Try these swaps
No Paneer?
- Extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed — Pan-fry first for closer texture.
- Halloumi — Saltier; reduce added salt.
No Asafoetida (hing)?
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder + 1/4 tsp onion powder
No Curry leaves?
- 1 bay leaf + a pinch of lemon zest — Aroma only — flavor is unique.
No Onion?
- 1 tbsp onion powder (per medium onion)
- 3 tbsp dried minced onion
- Shallots or leeks (1:1)
No Garlic (fresh)?
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (per clove)
- 1/2 tsp garlic granules (per clove)
No Coconut milk?
- Equal parts heavy cream + 1/2 tsp coconut extract
- Whole milk + 1 tsp coconut oil (per cup)
No Tamarind paste?
- 1 tbsp lime juice + 1 tbsp brown sugar (per 1 tbsp paste)
- Pomegranate molasses (1:1)
⚠ Contains Allergens
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat Oil and Temper Spices
In a medium pan, add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and allow it to heat up. Add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then, add 1/4 teaspoon of asafoetida (hing) and a few curry leaves. Mix well.
Step 2: Sauté Onions
Add 1 medium chopped onion to the pan. Sprinkle a little salt to help the onions cook faster. Mix and cook until the onions become translucent, which should take about .
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Once the onions are translucent, add 1 tablespoon of chopped garlic, 1 tablespoon of chopped ginger, and chopped green chilies to taste. Mix everything together and continue cooking for a couple of minutes.
Step 4: Cook Tomatoes
Add 2 medium chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook the mixture until the tomatoes soften and all the ingredients come together, forming a cohesive masala. Continue cooking until most of the moisture from the tomatoes has evaporated.
Step 5: Add Dry Spices and Water
Add 1 teaspoon of coriander powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin powder, 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder (or to taste), and 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder. Pour in about 1/4 cup of water to help mix the spices and the pan. Stir well and cook for another minute until the added water evaporates.
Step 6: Incorporate Paneer and Coconut Milk
Add the 12 ounces of cubed paneer to the masala. Mix gently to ensure the paneer cubes are evenly coated with the spices. Pour in a 14-ounce can of coconut milk. the flame to low and mix everything thoroughly, allowing the coconut milk to warm up and blend with the masala.
Step 7: Season and Simmer
Perform a taste test and add salt as needed. Stir in 1 teaspoon of tamarind paste. Continue to mix and cook on a very low flame until the tamarind paste is fully incorporated and the curry has through. Once cooked, the paneer coconut curry is ready to be served.
Pro Tips
• Add a little salt to onions to help them cook faster.
• Use water to deglaze the pan and prevent spices from burning.
• Tamarind paste balances the sweetness of coconut milk and blandness of paneer.
Variations
• Substitute paneer with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or peas.
• Add chicken pieces instead of paneer for a non-vegetarian option.
• Use fish or shrimp for a seafood curry variation.
From this CreatorMore from Show Me The Curry
Other recipes converted from Show Me The Curry's cooking videos.
Paneer Coconut Curry – South Indian Style
Cuisine
Indian · South Indian
Prep + Cook Time
35 Minutes
Difficulty Level
Medium
Paneer Coconut Curry – South Indian Style
Cuisine
Indian · South Indian
Prep + Cook Time
40 Minutes
Difficulty Level
Easy
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