Paneer Curry
Summary
- This Paneer Curry recipe features marinated and lightly toasted paneer cubes simmered in a rich, aromatic tomato and onion gravy, finished with thick coconut milk for a creamy texture. It's a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian dish perfect for a weeknight dinner.
All Ingredients - For Marinating Paneer
- Paneer 200 grams
- Salt to taste
- Turmeric Powder 1/4 tsp
- Red Chili Powder 1/2 tsp
All Ingredients - For Paneer Toasting
- Oil 1 tsp
All Ingredients - For Gravy
- Oil 1 tbsp
- Bayleaf 1
- Cinnamon Stick 1 inch
- Cloves 2
- Cardamom 1
- Cumin Seeds 1/2 tsp
- Onion 1 small sized (finely chopped)
- Ginger Garlic Paste 1 tsp
- Tomato Puree from 2 tomatoes
- Salt to taste
- Red Chili Powder 1 tsp
- Turmeric Powder 1/4 tsp
- Coriander Powder 1 tsp
- Garam Masala Powder 1/2 tsp
- Water 1/4 cup (approx)
- Thick Coconut Milk 1 cup
- Crushed Kasoori Methi 1 tsp
- Garam Masala Powder 1/4 tsp
- Coriander Leaves 1 tbsp
Tools You'll Need
- Pan
- Mixing bowl
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 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 Garam masala?
- 1 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1/4 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp cardamom
No Coconut milk?
- Equal parts heavy cream + 1/2 tsp coconut extract
- Whole milk + 1 tsp coconut oil (per cup)
No Cilantro?
- Flat-leaf parsley (1:1, milder)
- Fresh mint (in chutneys, salads)
⚠ Contains Allergens
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate Paneer
Add 200 grams of paneer cubes to a mixing bowl. Season with salt to taste, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, and 1/2 tsp red chili powder. Mix well until all paneer pieces are evenly coated with the spices, then set aside.
Step 2: Toast Paneer
Heat 1 tsp oil in a pan. Add the paneer cubes to the hot oil. for , stirring occasionally, until the paneer pieces are lightly golden on all sides. Remove the paneer from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare Gravy Base
Add 1 tbsp oil to the same pan and heat it. Add 1 bayleaf, 1 one-inch cinnamon stick, 2 cloves, 1 cardamom, and 1/2 tsp cumin seeds. Let the spices splutter for a few seconds, then give them a quick . Add 1 finely chopped small-sized onion and 1 tsp ginger garlic paste. until the onions turn golden brown, stirring continuously.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Spices
Add tomato puree from 2 tomatoes to the pan. Give it a quick mix, then cover the pan and cook for a few minutes until the raw smell of tomatoes dissipates. Once the raw smell leaves, open the lid and give a quick . Add salt to taste, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, and 1/2 tsp garam masala powder. Give a quick mix and for about until the spices are well combined and fragrant.
Step 5: Combine Paneer and Coconut Milk
Add a little water (approximately 1/4 cup) to the gravy base to loosen it, then for . Add the paneer cubes to the gravy and give a quick mix, ensuring the paneer is well coated with the masala. Pour in 1 cup of thick coconut milk. Mix it until the paneer is well coated and the curry reaches a creamy consistency. Adjust with more water if the curry is too thick for your preference.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Sprinkle 1 tsp crushed kasoori methi and 1/4 tsp garam masala powder over the curry. Add 1 tbsp of fresh coriander leaves. Mix well to incorporate the final flavors, then switch off the flame. Serve the hot Paneer Curry with roti, naan, or rice.
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