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Paneer Masala

Serves 1
40 mins
380 Kcal
Paneer masala is a vibrant and savoury North Indian dish entailing paneer or Indian cottage cheese with a spicy and aromatic tomato-based gravy. This dish is enjoyed by both vegetarians and non-vegetarians in equal measure for its rich flavour and creamy texture. The paneer masala recipe is straightforward and thus readily accepted by many in the kitchen as an ideal dish for home preparation. Heat oil in a pan and fry finely chopped onions until golden brown for paneer masala. Add the ginger-garlic paste, and cook until fragrant; add pureed tomatoes and mix all the spices - turmeric, red chilli powder, coriander, garam masala. Let this mixture cook until the oil separates. This means spices are well cooked and their flavours blended. Now that your base is prepared add cubed paneer and stir gently to coat the pieces in the rich gravy. For an extra layer of creaminess, stir in a splash of cream or yoghurt. The recipe for paneer masala can also be customised by including vegetables like bell peppers or peas for added nutrition and colour. Serve hot with fresh coriander leaves and naan, roti, or steamed rice. The savoury delight will satisfy your taste buds, providing that comforting and hearty meal choice. Let's try out the Paneer Masala recipe.

Ingredients required for Paneer Masala

  1. 60 gms paneer
  2. 1/2 tbsp butter
  3. 1/4 onion
  4. 1/4 tsp ginger garlic paste
  5. 1/8 tsp garam masala
  6. 2 tbsp fresh cream
  7. 1/2 cup tomato puree
  8. 1/4 tsp red chilli powder
  9. 1/4 tsp coriander powder
  10. 1/8 tsp turmeric powder
  11. 1 coriander leaves

Cooking steps for Paneer Masala

  1. 1
    It can be simply a delight to create a tasty home-made paneer dish when you start with the preparation of the main ingredient.
  2. 2
    So, cut 60 gms of fresh paneer into small, bite-sized cubes. As a cheese from India, paneer is quite a versatile material- it soaks in flavours while retaining that distinguishable texture.
  3. 3
    Once the paneer is cubed, set it aside; then move to the cooking process so that it is all ready to be put together for the dish.
  4. 4
    Now heat 1/2 Tbsp butter in a pan over medium heat; richness from the butter gives lovely depth to the dish.
  5. 5
    Add 1/4 Tsp of the ginger-garlic paste after the butter has melted and starts to bubble.
  6. 6
    lightlyThis aromatic paste is an inescapable paste from Indian cuisine since it imparts its earthy flavour to the recipe.
  7. 7
    Saute the paste for about a minute since its smell inside the kitchen would be combined with melting butter, making it an excellent base for your paneer dish.
  8. 8
    After saut ing the ginger-garlic paste, add 1/4 of finely chopped onion to the pan.
  9. 9
    Cook the onion until it turns brown, stirring occasionally so that it browns evenly.
  10. 10
    This caramelises the onions not only to give more sweetness but also to create a more affluent flavour background that this recipe can infuse into the other ingredients.
  11. 11
    When the onions are perfectly browned, pour in 1/2 cup of tomato puree and stir into the onion mixture. The tomato puree will give heart to the gravy, adding acidity and moisture to the dish.
  12. 12
    Besides the puree, add 1/4 teaspoon red chilli powder for heat, 1/8 teaspoon turmeric powder for a splash of colour and earthiness, 1/4 teaspoon coriander powder for a sweet depth, and finally, 1/8 teaspoon garam masala, which brings depth with its aromatic spices.
  13. 13
    Now let that curry simmer, stirring occasionally for 5 to 7 minutes.
  14. 14
    This will help the spices bloom and meld in each other's flavours to give you a rich and aromatic sauce.
  15. 15
    Once your mixture has had a good simmer, add 1/4 cup water to your pan and let it boil. It should give you the right consistency for your gravy now.
  16. 16
    Let it boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for almost 10 minutes. The simmering process develops flavours further and makes the mixture harmonious and richly fragrant. Now add the folded reserved paneer cubes and cook for another 5 minutes. This time, the paneer will keep absorbing the flavours without breaking.
  17. 17
    Once the paneer is heated through, mix in 2 tablespoons of fresh cream.
  18. 18
    This will add a rich texture to the gravy and make it rich in spice balancing.
  19. 19
    Continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the gravy thickens a bit, making it clingy around the paneer.
  20. 20
    Garnish it with freshly chopped coriander leaves before serving the dish.
  21. 21
    This not only gives the dish a pop of colour but also a fresh herbal note that adds to the height of flavour.
  22. 22
    Serve hot with naan or rice so that the diner enjoys the creamy, flavourful gravy.
  23. 23
    The soft paneer, creamy gravy, and warm bread or rice assure an otherwise satisfying meal.
  24. 24
    In essence, this paneer dish is an outstanding representation of how exquisite Indian cuisine can be since simple ingredients are bound together to form something delightful.
  25. 25
    This should not only please the palate but also satisfy the soul.
  26. 26
    Please do it for a small, personal dinner in the family or do it for a special occasion; this paneer recipe is sure to impress your taste buds at the table.
  27. 27
    Enjoy the vibrant flavours and comforting textures, enjoying the joy of home-cooked Indian delights!

Shop Ingredients

Onion (1/4)
48
1
37
1
91
1
130
1
Red Chilli Powder (1/4 Tsp)
600
1
300
1
Coriander Powder (1/4 Tsp)
30
1
Butter (1/2 Tbsp)
60
1
295
1
122
1
70
1
62
1
120
1
566
1
125
1
530
1
110
1
Turmeric Powder (1/8 Tsp)
65
1
113
1
220
1
Paneer (60 gms)
100
1
207
1
92
1
95
1
90
1
246
1
140
1
Garam Masala (1/8 Tsp)
96
1
79
1
31
1
88
1
63
1
52
1
90
1
108
1
82
1
82
1
Tomato Puree (1/2 cup)
26
1
65
1
40
1
Fresh Cream (2 Tbsp)
68
1
55
1
220
1
75
1
Ginger Garlic Paste (1/4 Tsp)
38
1
38
1
49
1
42
1
50
1
99
1

FAQs

What is paneer masala, and what are its essential ingredients?

Paneer masala is a rather popular Indian recipe made from cooking paneer or Indian cottage cheese in a rich, flavoured sauce. The base usually consists of tomatoes, onions, and spices like cumin, coriander, garam masala, and turmeric. Cream or yoghurt can add richness, and fresh herbs such as cilantro give it an aroma. It is a hearty vegetarian dish in which the versatility of paneer is so well expressed in Indian cuisine.

How to serve paneer masala?

Paneer masala is highly versatile and can be served with any desired accompaniment. It goes well with naan, roti, or paratha, thus allowing one to scoop up all the delectable sauce from them. This would also be a complete meal if one serves it over basmati rice or jeera rice. Served on the side is a side of raita or salad, which could add texture to balance the flavours. The dish is pretty suitable for special occasions, or just everyday meal comfort food combined with indulgence.

Can paneer masala be prepared a day ahead?

Yes, it can be made a day ahead, and the flavours generally deepen and mature by the next day. Preparing: As is usually the dish, cook and put it in an airtight container. Gently heat the dish on the stovetop or microwave before serving. If gravy is too thick, add water or cream to suit your preference. Serve within 3-4 days to taste the best.