Discover the rich flavors of Dhaba-style Paneer Masala, a beloved Indian curry dish. Infused with the warmth of roasted spices and the earthiness of kasoori methi, this paneer dish brings a creamy and aromatic experience to your table.
Perfectly paired with naan, roti, or various rice dishes like basmati and jeera rice, it's an ideal choice for a satisfying lunch or dinner. This recipe elevates the simple paneer with a blend of garam masala and herbs, creating a delightful side that's both comforting and flavorful.
Explore Delectable Indian Vegetarian Sides:
How to Make Paneer Masala at Home?
Get ready to create a culinary delight with our step-by-step Paneer Masala recipe. Follow along with our photos and video to effortlessly bring this aromatic and flavorful dish to life in your kitchen.
Discover Paneer Recipes and More Indian Curries:
- Paneer Tikka
- Saag Paneer
- Palak Paneer
- Paneer Masala
- Chilli Paneer
- Chicken Curry
- Chicken Korma
- Butter Chicken
Paneer Masala (Dhaba Style )
Ingredients
- 0.55 lb Paneer, cut into cubes
- ⅙ cup Ghee
- 1 cup Onion, finely chopped
- 2 Tomato, puree
- 1 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 4 Cardamom
- 1 Bay leaves
- 3 Cinnamon stick, small
- ¼ cup Curd
- 1 tsp Chili powder
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- ½ tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tsp Garam masala
- 1 tsp Besan, gram flour
- 1 tsp Kasoori Methi, dried fenugreek leaves, crushed
- 1 tsp Salt, adjust as needed
- ½ cup Water
- ½ cup Coriander leaves, to garnish
Instructions
To Prepare Paneer Masala
- Begin by heating ghee in a pan over medium flame. Shallow fry the paneer cubes until they turn a light golden color. This process adds a nice texture to the paneer. Drain and set them aside for later.
- In the same pan, add a bit of oil. Then, put in bay leaves, cardamom, cumin seeds, and a cinnamon stick. Sauté these spices until they start to release their aroma, creating the dish's flavor foundation.
- Add finely chopped onions to the pan. Cook them until they turn soft and translucent.
- Incorporate ginger garlic paste, cooking until the raw aroma dissipates.
- Add chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, cumin powder, besan (gram flour), and dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi). Roast these spices well to awaken their flavors, making sure they don't burn.
- Stir in tomato puree for a tangy, sweet flavor. The puree also contributes to the gravy's rich color.
- Cover the pan and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Gently fold in curd (yogurt) to the mixture. This step adds a creamy texture and balances the spices with its mild tartness.
- Pour in water to adjust the gravy’s consistency. Then add the previously fried paneer. Ensure the paneer is well-coated with the gravy for flavor absorption.
- Simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes. The gravy should thicken slightly and oil should begin to surface on top, indicating it's well-cooked.
- Turn off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or coriander leaves for a burst of freshness and color.
To Serve
- Serve the Dhaba style Paneer Masala warm, accompanied by roti, naan, chapati, or rice. For additional serving ideas and combinations, refer to the serving suggestion section.
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Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Essential Roasting: Deeply roast spice powders and besan on low to medium heat. This step is crucial for unlocking the flavors and giving the dish its signature Dhaba taste.
- Perfect Tomatoes: Select ripe, red tomatoes and cook them until the oil separates. This technique not only imparts a vibrant color but also adds a natural sweetness and tang to the gravy.
- Tender Paneer: Fry the paneer in ghee before mixing into the gravy. This simple trick ensures that the paneer remains soft and succulent, enhancing the dish's texture.
- Spice Balance: Adjust the amount of spice powders according to your taste preference. The key to a perfect Dhaba style dish is finding the right balance of spices.
- Heat Level: For a spicier dish, increase the amount ofchili powder. Adjust according to your tolerance for heat.
- Creaminess: For an extra creamy texture, consider adding a small amount of cream or yogurt towards the end of cooking. This adds a smooth richness to the gravy.
- Consistency Check: Adjust the consistency of the gravy according to your preference. Add water to thin it out or cook longer for a thicker gravy.
- Serving Temperature: Serve the dish hot for the best taste experience, as the flavors are most pronounced when warm.
- Resting Time: After cooking, let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and intensify.
- Vegan Alternative: For a plant-based version, use tofu instead of paneer and vegan butter in place of ghee. These substitutes closely mimic the original flavors and textures, making the dish inclusive for all diets.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Explore Global Curries: Dive into a world of curries, from Thai to Indian, and beyond. Discover a diverse range of flavors that will enrich and broaden your culinary expertise, taking your cooking journey to new heights.
Serving Suggestions
For a delightful dining experience, pair your Paneer Masala with these options:
- Breads: Complement it with Indian breads like naan, roti, or paratha for a fulfilling meal.
- Rice Dishes: Basmati rice, white rice, jeera rice, or a fragrant biryanis can beautifully balance the flavors.
- Side Dishes: Enhance your meal with a cooling cucumber raita, a tangy mango chutney, or a crisp kachumber salad.
- Beverages: Pair with a traditional mango lassi or a cup of hot chai to complete the dining experience.
- Desserts: Enjoy classic Indian desserts like gulab jamun, rasgulla, or kheer to conclude your meal with a satisfyingly sweet touch.
Storage Suggestions
To ensure your Paneer Masala stays fresh and delicious, follow these storage suggestions:
- Refrigeration: Store the Paneer Masala in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 2-3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the curry in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave. If the gravy has thickened, add a little water or milk to regain the desired consistency.
- Avoid Contamination: Always use a clean spoon to serve, to prevent contamination and extend its shelf life.
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