Achari Paneer Recipe – Spicy Pickled Paneer Gravy
Achari Paneer is a vibrant and aromatic North Indian curry made with paneer (cottage cheese) and a flavorful blend of spices, including a tangy and spicy pachranga pickle. This dish is a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and creamy flavors, making it a delightful choice for a hearty lunch. The pickled spices infuse the paneer with an irresistible aroma, and the rich gravy made from tomato puree and fresh cream brings it all together beautifully.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 200 grams |
| Sunflower Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion (chopped) | 2 medium onions |
| Garlic (cloves) | 3 cloves |
| Ginger (1-inch piece) | 1-inch piece |
| Pachranga Pickle (with masala) | 2 tablespoons |
| Fennel Seeds (Saunf) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Water (as required) | As needed |
| Homemade Tomato Puree | 1-1/2 cups |
| Honey | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh Cream | 1/4 cup |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 1/4 tablespoon |
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Main Course
Diet: High-Protein Vegetarian
Instructions:
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Grind the Aromatics: Begin by grinding the onions, ginger, garlic, pachranga pickle, and fennel seeds into a smooth paste. This will form the base of the curry and bring a bold, tangy, and spicy flavor.
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Cook the Paste: Heat sunflower oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground paste to the pan and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the raw smell disappears, and the oil begins to separate from the masala. This step is essential for developing the depth of flavor in the curry.
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Add the Spices: Once the masala is cooked, add the red chilli powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and garam masala to the pan. Sauté the mixture for another minute, ensuring that the spices infuse into the paste.
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Prepare the Tomato Gravy: Stir in the homemade tomato puree, salt, honey, and fresh cream. Bring the mixture to a brisk boil, allowing the tomato puree to blend with the spices and form a smooth, rich gravy.
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Add the Paneer: Once the gravy is boiling, gently add the paneer cubes into the masala. If you prefer a thinner gravy, add a little water at this point, adjusting the consistency to your liking. Let the curry simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors of the masala.
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Finish the Dish: Once the curry is done, sprinkle the kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) over the top, stirring gently to incorporate the fragrant leaves into the gravy. Taste the curry and adjust the seasoning with more salt or spices if needed.
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Serve: Serve your delicious Achari Paneer with a side of Whole Wheat Lachha Paratha or Jeera Rice for a wholesome meal. To complete the meal, pair it with a refreshing Lauki Raita (bottle gourd yogurt salad) and a comforting Apple Mawa Kheer for a rich, indulgent dessert.
Pro Tips:
- Paneer Quality: For the best texture, use freshly made homemade paneer. If using store-bought paneer, soak it in warm water for 15-20 minutes before adding it to the curry to soften it.
- Pachranga Pickle: Pachranga pickle adds a tangy and spicy kick to the curry. If you don’t have this specific pickle, you can substitute it with any mixed vegetable pickle with spices and mustard oil for a similar flavor.
- Spices: The blend of spices in this recipe can be adjusted to suit your taste. If you like your curry milder, reduce the amount of red chilli powder or leave out the pickle for a more neutral flavor.
- Make Ahead: The masala base can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply add the paneer and cream, and cook until heated through.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
Enjoy the delicious and tangy flavors of Achari Paneer, and bring a delightful touch of North India to your dining table!
