Kashmiri Veth Chaman Recipe – Paneer in Yogurt Tomato Curry
Recipe Type: Kashmiri Cuisine | Vegetarian
Course: Lunch
Introduction
Kashmiri Veth Chaman is a delicious and aromatic curry featuring paneer cooked in a rich blend of yogurt, tomato paste, and fragrant spices. This traditional dish hails from the Kashmiri Pandit community and is a unique variation that excludes the use of onions and garlic, yet bursts with flavor from the fragrant spices. The creamy texture of the curry is perfectly balanced by the slight tang of yogurt and the mild heat from Kashmiri red chili powder, making it a perfect dish to enjoy with rice, roti, or chapati. Ideal for lunch, this dish will surely become a beloved part of your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (cubed) | 300 grams |
| Water | 1-1/2 cups |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
| Cinnamon Stick | 2 pieces |
| Green Cardamom | 5 pods |
| Bay Leaves | 2 leaves |
| Grated Tomato | 1/2 cup |
| Shahi Jeera (Caraway Seeds) | 1/2 tsp |
| Kashmiri Red Chili Powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Fennel Powder (Saunf Powder) | 1-1/2 tsp |
| Yogurt (whisked) | 2 tbsp |
| Saffron | A pinch |
| Ginger Powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Mixed Garam Masala | A pinch |
| Mustard Oil | 4 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh Coriander (Cilantro) | 2 sprigs, chopped |
Preparation Time
30 minutes
Cooking Time
20 minutes
Instructions
-
Frying the Paneer
Begin by heating mustard oil in a frying pan or kadhai. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed paneer and fry them until they turn golden brown. Once fried, remove the paneer and place it on a paper towel to absorb the excess oil. -
Soaking the Paneer
In a bowl, take warm water and add the fried paneer pieces to soak them. Set this aside for later. -
Preparing the Curry Base
In the same kadhai, add a little more mustard oil and heat it. Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) and let it sizzle for 10 seconds. Next, add the cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, and green cardamom pods. Stir them for about 10–15 seconds to release their flavors. -
Cooking the Spices
Now, add the shahi jeera and grated tomato to the pan. Stir and cook for about 15 seconds. Then, add the Kashmiri red chili powder, ginger powder, and fennel powder. Mix the spices well to ensure they coat the tomatoes evenly. -
Adding the Paneer Soaked Water
After the tomatoes have cooked down, pour in the water that the paneer was soaking in. Stir the mixture and bring it to a boil. -
Incorporating the Yogurt and Saffron
Once the curry comes to a boil, add the whisked yogurt and a pinch of saffron. Stir everything gently and cook for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. -
Adding the Paneer
After the curry has simmered, add the paneer cubes to the pan. Stir gently to incorporate the paneer into the sauce. Allow the curry to simmer for another 2 minutes so the paneer soaks in the flavors. -
Final Touches
To finish, add a pinch of mixed garam masala and fresh coriander leaves to the curry. Stir well and allow the curry to simmer for an additional minute before turning off the heat. -
Serving
Serve the Kashmiri Veth Chaman hot with steamed rice, flatbreads like roti or naan, or even a side of raita. It also pairs wonderfully with a fresh cucumber salad or a tangy boondi raita to complement its rich and aromatic flavors.
Allergen Information
- Contains Dairy: This dish contains paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and yogurt, which makes it unsuitable for those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe does not contain any gluten-based ingredients.
- Nuts-Free: This recipe is free of nuts, making it a safe choice for those with nut allergies.
Dietary Preferences
- Vegetarian: The recipe is fully vegetarian, making it suitable for those following a vegetarian or plant-based diet.
- High in Protein: Paneer is an excellent source of protein, especially for vegetarians looking to increase their protein intake.
- Low in Carbs: This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for those on a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
Tips and Advice
- Substitutions: If you’re not a fan of mustard oil, you can substitute it with vegetable oil or ghee for a different flavor.
- Spice Adjustments: The Kashmiri red chili powder is used to provide a mild heat and vibrant color. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can increase the amount of red chili powder or add a finely chopped green chili.
- Saffron Infusion: Soaking the saffron in a tablespoon of warm milk before adding it to the curry can enhance its flavor and color even further.
- Paneer Alternatives: If you prefer a different protein, you could try substituting the paneer with tofu for a vegan version of this dish.
Conclusion
Kashmiri Veth Chaman is an aromatic and flavorful paneer dish that is sure to be a hit at your next lunch gathering. Its fragrant spices and creamy yogurt base make it a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a simple weekday lunch, this dish brings the vibrant flavors of Kashmiri cuisine to your table. Serve it with your favorite Indian breads or rice, and enjoy a rich and indulgent meal that’s full of warmth and flavor.
