Dhingri Dolma: A Royal Awadhi Mushroom and Paneer Delight
Dhingri Dolma is a traditional Awadhi recipe, known for its rich, aromatic flavors and delicate blend of spices. This exquisite curry combines the earthy goodness of button mushrooms with the soft creaminess of paneer, all enveloped in a fragrant Shahi Onion Tomato Gravy. What sets this dish apart is the use of Shahi Jeera (also called black cumin seeds), which imparts a unique aroma and flavor to the dish. If you cannot find Shahi Jeera, regular cumin seeds can be used as an alternative. The luxurious ghee base further elevates the richness, making this curry a royal treat. Dhingri Dolma is best enjoyed with Naan, Tandoori Roti, or Chapati, making it an ideal choice for a hearty dinner or lunch.
Ingredients for Dhingri Dolma
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Button Mushrooms, washed and chopped | 10-12 mushrooms |
| Paneer (cottage cheese) | 100 grams, half cut into small pieces and half crumbled |
| Shahi Jeera (black cumin) | 1 teaspoon |
| Ghee | 3 tablespoons |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 medium-sized |
| Tomatoes, finely chopped | 2 medium-sized |
| Ginger Garlic Paste | 2 teaspoons |
| Cumin Powder | ยฝ teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder | ยฝ teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder | ยฝ teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | ยฝ teaspoon |
| Cashew Nuts, ground | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | A pinch |
| Fresh Coriander Leaves, for garnish | As needed for garnish |
Allergen Information:
- Dairy: This dish contains paneer, a dairy product, making it unsuitable for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.
- Nuts: Contains cashew nuts, which may be an allergen for individuals with nut allergies.
- Gluten: This dish is gluten-free, as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients.
Dietary Preferences:
- Vegetarian: Dhingri Dolma is a vegetarian dish, making it a great option for those following a plant-based diet.
- High Protein: Thanks to the combination of mushrooms and paneer, this dish provides a good source of protein.
- Low Carb: With the absence of rice or bread in the gravy, this dish is also low in carbs, especially if paired with whole wheat roti or other low-carb sides.
Preparation & Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Base
- Begin by heating ghee in a pan on medium heat. Add Shahi Jeera and let it sizzle for a few seconds until it releases its aromatic fragrance.
- Add ginger garlic paste and sautรฉ it until the raw smell dissipates.
- Toss in the finely chopped onion and cook until it turns light golden brown.
Step 2: Adding Tomatoes and Spices
- Now, add the finely chopped tomatoes to the pan. Stir and cook until the tomatoes soften and blend well into the gravy.
- Sprinkle in the cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, turmeric powder, and red chilli powder. Mix well and let the spices cook for a minute, infusing their flavors into the base.
Step 3: Cooking the Mushrooms and Paneer
- Add the washed and chopped button mushrooms to the pan and cook for about 1-2 minutes. This will allow the mushrooms to release their moisture and soften.
- Next, add the paneerโhalf cut into small cubes and half crumbled. Stir everything together so that the paneer blends nicely into the curry.
Step 4: Finalizing the Gravy
- Season the curry with salt and a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
- Add the ground cashew paste to thicken the gravy and provide a creamy texture. If the gravy is too thick, you can add a little water to adjust the consistency to your liking.
- Cook the curry for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the gravy to reach a thick, rich consistency.
Step 5: Garnishing and Serving
- Turn off the heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve the Dhingri Dolma hot with naan, Tandoori Roti, or Chapati for a complete meal.
Cooking Tips
- Shahi Jeera is an essential ingredient for this dish as it adds a royal aroma. If you cannot find it, regular cumin seeds will work, but the flavor will be slightly different.
- The ground cashew paste adds creaminess to the gravy. For a smoother consistency, you can grind the cashews into a fine paste before adding them.
- You can also experiment with adding a splash of cream or yogurt to make the gravy even richer and creamier.
Conclusion
Dhingri Dolma is an elegant and flavorful dish that showcases the richness of Awadhi cuisine. The pairing of mushrooms and paneer in a spiced gravy not only makes it delicious but also packs in essential proteins and nutrients. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or looking for a comforting meal to enjoy with loved ones, this dish is sure to impress. So, dive into the flavors of Awadh and enjoy this royal curry that brings the essence of Indiaโs royal kitchens right to your dining table.
Enjoy your cooking and relish the flavors of Dhingri Dolma!
