Amritsari Ajwaini Paneer Recipe: A North Indian Delight
Description:
Amritsari Ajwaini Paneer is a rich, flavorful dish from North India, capturing the essence of Punjabi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana cuisine. These regions are famous for their heavy gravies, delicate spices, and the extensive use of ajwain (carom seeds), which imparts a distinct flavor to their dishes. This particular recipe combines the subtle bitterness of ajwain with cashew nuts and aromatic spices to create a luscious, comforting gravy. The star ingredient, paneer (homemade cottage cheese), absorbs all the flavors, making each bite a delightful experience. This dish is perfect to serve as a side with naan, tawa parathas, or even whole wheat spinach paratha.
Cuisine:
North Indian Recipes
Course:
Side Dish
Diet:
Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 1 cup |
| Homemade Tomato Puree | 1 cup |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Garlic (cloves) | 2 cloves |
| Green Chilli | 1, chopped |
| Ginger (1-inch piece) | 1, chopped |
| Cashew Nuts | 5, soaked and ground into a paste |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 |
| Ajwain (Carom Seeds) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1-1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | Chopped, for garnish |
Preparation Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
40 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Onion, Garlic, Ginger, and Green Chilli Paste:
Begin by making a smooth paste of finely chopped onion, garlic cloves, ginger, and green chili in a blender or food processor. Set this mixture aside. -
Make the Cashew Nut Paste:
In a separate bowl, grind the cashew nuts into a fine paste using very little water. Set this aside as well. -
Pound the Ajwain and Cloves:
Using a mortar and pestle, grind the ajwain (carom seeds) and cloves into a fine powder. Keep this mixture aside, as it will add a burst of flavor to the gravy. -
Cook the Onion Paste:
Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the prepared onion paste. Sauté it for a few minutes. You will notice that the paste will absorb the oil and become dry, so resist the temptation to add more oil. Continue sautéing on medium heat until the raw smell of onions disappears. -
Add Spices:
Stir in the turmeric powder, pounded ajwain-cloves mixture, and garam masala powder. Continue to cook for a couple of minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors. -
Incorporate Tomato Puree and Dry Spices:
Add the homemade tomato puree to the pan. Then, stir in the coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 4–5 minutes. -
Add Cashew Nut Paste:
Stir in the ground cashew nut paste and sugar. Allow it to simmer for about one minute. The cashew nut paste will help thicken the gravy, adding a rich, creamy texture to the dish. -
Add Paneer Cubes:
Finally, gently add the paneer cubes into the gravy. Mix carefully to coat the paneer with the flavorful gravy. Cover the pan and let it cook for a further 2–3 minutes, allowing the paneer to absorb the spices and flavors. -
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with naan, tawa parathas, or whole wheat spinach paratha for a satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions:
- Naans: Soft, pillowy naan is an excellent accompaniment to soak up the rich, flavorful gravy.
- Tawa Parathas: These shallow-fried flatbreads are crispy and perfect for pairing with the creamy, spicy gravy.
- Whole Wheat Spinach Paratha: For a healthy and delicious twist, serve this dish with whole wheat spinach paratha, adding a vibrant and nutritious element to the meal.
- Mooli Paratha (Thepla): The nutty, spiced taste of mooli paratha is another great pairing with this dish.
Tips:
- Paneer Variations: You can use store-bought paneer or, for a more authentic taste, make your own paneer at home using fresh milk and lemon juice.
- Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan, substitute paneer with tofu and use oil instead of ghee.
- Flavor Adjustments: If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of green chili or red chili powder. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder and remove the green chili entirely.
- Thickening the Gravy: If the gravy is too thin, you can add a teaspoon of cashew paste or a little cream to thicken it to your desired consistency.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~250 kcal |
| Protein | ~12 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~10 g |
| Fiber | ~2 g |
| Fat | ~18 g |
| Sodium | ~150 mg |
| Calcium | ~200 mg |
This Amritsari Ajwaini Paneer will transport you to the heart of North India with its robust flavors and creamy texture. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner, this dish will surely impress anyone who gets a taste of it. Enjoy the authentic flavors and let the warmth of this classic Indian recipe fill your home!
