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How to Cook Curry with Paneer

Packed with rich spices and a creamy texture, paneer curry is a delightful dish that marries Indian flavors with a comforting warmth perfect for any meal. Paneer, a fresh cheese common in South Asia, especially in Indian cuisine, forms the heart of this dish. Our guide below covers everything you’ll need to know to prepare a paneer curry that excites your taste buds, from understanding the basics to executing a dhaba-style variation. We’ll take you through step-by-step photos, variations, pro tips, and even dive into some delectable meat recipes if you’re interested in expanding your culinary exploration. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a vibrant World of Indian flavors!

About Paneer Curry

Paneer curry is a beloved dish in Indian households, known for its aromatic spices and creamy texture. The essence of paneer curry lies in its masala mix, incorporating a variety of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. These spices not only intensify the flavor but also contribute to the vibrant color of the curry.

This dish is versatile, which means you can enjoy it with a variety of accompaniments such as naan, roti, or rice. The subtle, creamy texture of paneer absorbs the rich flavors of the curry, making it a delightful dish for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets. Additionally, paneer curry often serves as a gateway into Indian cuisine for home cooks around the world.

How to make Paneer Curry (Stepwise Photos)

Preparation

Begin by gathering your ingredients: fresh paneer, tomatoes, onions, ginger, garlic, and a mix of spices. The first step involves chopping onions and tomatoes, which form the base of your curry. Make sure your paneer is fresh, as it will provide better texture and flavor.

Next, you will prepare your spices, ensuring you have cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala on hand. These will be ground and mixed to create the rich masala that defines a good paneer curry. It’s essential to have everything prepped beforehand, as this will make the cooking process smoother.

Make the Curry

Start by sautéing onions in oil until they turn golden brown; add ginger and garlic paste and sauté until fragrant. Introduce the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften. Incorporate your spice mix and cook until the oil separates from the masala.

Gently add paneer cubes to the fragrant masala and stir to coat them evenly. Add water or cream to achieve the desired consistency. Allow the curry to simmer; this helps the paneer absorb the spices, enhancing the overall flavor. Once done, garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Variations

Paneer curry welcomes creativity, and there are countless variations you can try. For a richer taste, consider adding cream or yogurt to your curry base. This yields a more luxurious texture and mellows the spices, creating a more delicate taste.

For a vegan twist, replace paneer with tofu and use coconut milk instead of dairy cream. Incorporating vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach can add color and nutritional value to your curry. Each of these variations can be easily adapted to suit diverse palates.

Pro Tips

Ensuring your spices are fresh and properly toasted can significantly enhance the flavor profile of your paneer curry. Grinding your spices just before cooking can release essential oils, providing a fresher taste compared to pre-ground spices.

If you’re short on time, consider pre-cubing and marinating your paneer in warm spices. This ensures the paneer is infused with flavor, resulting in a more robust curry without extra cooking time. Lastly, garnish with fresh cilantro or fenugreek leaves to add a fresh pop of flavor before serving.

Recipe Card

Ingredients (US cup = 240ml)

– 250 grams paneer, cubed
– 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
– 1 cup onions, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
– 2 cups tomatoes, pureed
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1 and 1/2 teaspoons coriander powder
– 1 teaspoon garam masala
– Salt to taste
– 1/4 cup cream(Optional)
– Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds until they crackle.
2. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
3. Stir in ginger garlic paste and continue to sauté until the raw aroma disappears.
4. Pour in the tomato puree and cook until oil separates from the masala.
5. Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for a few minutes.
6. Introduce paneer cubes; stir gently coating them with masala.
7. Add water or cream for desired consistency and let the curry simmer for 5-8 minutes.
8. Sprinkle garam masala and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

For an enhanced flavor, you can use homemade paneer. If using store-bought paneer, soak it in hot water for 10 minutes to soften before adding to the curry. Adjust spices to taste as some may prefer a milder or spicier dish.

Video

For a complete tutorial, watch our concise video guide covering the entire paneer curry cooking process. [Video link here]

NUTRITION INFO (estimation only)

Approximate values per serving: 200 Calories; 10g Fats; 8g Carbohydrates; 15g Protein. Note: These values can vary based on added ingredients and preparation methods.

Paneer Curry Recipe (Dhaba Style)

A dhaba-style paneer curry is characterized by its rugged and robust flavor. Typically found in roadside eateries across India, these curries are cooked with an assortment of spices, offering a more intensive taste experience.

To make a dhaba-style paneer curry, incorporate more robust spices and cook on high flame, allowing the flavors to integrate thoroughly. Adding a smoky garnish with charred bell peppers can replicate the authentic taste that these roadside eateries are famous for.

Watch Paneer Curry Video

Visual learners can benefit from our detailed tutorial video, which offers step-by-step guidance on preparing authentic paneer curry. Not only does it cover the basics, but you also see the live demonstration of tips and tricks to enhance your cooking skills. [Video link here]

Meat Recipes

Paneer Recipes

Paneer recipes offer a world of possibilities, from traditional dishes to innovative takes. Some notable ones include paneer butter masala, kadai paneer, matar paneer, and palak paneer.

Paneer Butter Masala

This is a rich creamy curry where paneer cubes are simmered in a butter-laden tomato gravy, resulting in an indulgent feast fit for special occasions.

Kadai Paneer Recipe

Characterized by its bold use of spices, kadai paneer features bell peppers alongside paneer, offering both a visual and flavorful delight.

Matar Paneer Recipe

This is an everyday curry made with peas (matar) and paneer simmered in a light tomato curry; it’s a quick, nutritious choice perfect for weeknights.

Palak Paneer Recipe

Featuring spinach (palak) and garam paneer cubes, this recipe marries leafy greens with dairy, resulting in a healthy, heart-warming meal options.

Paneer Makhani

Similar to butter masala, paneer makhani provides a milder yet creamy taste. It focuses on the balance of butter and tomatoes to uplift the dish.

Butter Chicken Recipe (Indian Chicken Makhani)

The non-vegetarian counterpart to paneer butter masala, butter chicken features tender chicken pieces in a velvety tomato-based sauce with butter or cream.

Chicken Korma Recipe

Aromatic and packed with spices, chicken korma is made with yogurt and nuts, providing a rich and creamy texture to the dish that is hard to resist.

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Often cited as a favorite, this recipe features chunks of roasted marinated chicken bathing in a spicy, creamy orange-colored sauce, making it a staple in curries.

Chicken Vindaloo

A fiery dish equipped with red chili and vinegar, chicken vindaloo hails from Goa and stands out for its spicy, tangy twist.

Chicken Biryani Recipe

This layered rice dish stars marinated chicken and fragrant basmati rice, garnished with saffron and mint—a complete meal in itself.

Chicken Curry Recipe

Simple yet flavorful, chicken curry is made with juicy chicken in a spicy onion-tomato base. It’s a versatile dish loved in Indian and international households alike.

About Swasthi.

Swasthi, the creator of these inspiring recipes, is an avid cook who manages a popular food blog centered on Indian recipes. With years of culinary experience, she brings authentic yet approachable recipes to home cooks around the world. Her focus is on delivering high-quality content, backed by tried-and-tested recipes that appeal to diverse tastes and preferences.

Lessons Learned

Section	Key Takeaway
About Paneer Curry	Balancing spices and creamy texture is essential for perfect paneer curry.
How to Make Paneer Curry	Preparation and real-time cooking steps ensure an authentic paneer curry experience.
Variations	Experimentation with ingredients such as vegetables and plant-based options provides versatility.
Pro Tips	Fresh spices and marinating paneer enhance flavor profiles.
Paneer Curry (Dhaba Style)	Using robust and bold flavors replicates the taste of roadside eateries.
Paneer Recipes	A diverse range of paneer dishes offer versatility and creativity in cooking.
Meat Recipes	Exploration of chicken recipes provides a well-rounded Indian cuisine experience.

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