Amritsari Ajwaini Paneer Recipe
Amritsari Ajwaini Paneer is a mouth-watering North Indian dish that combines the richness of paneer with aromatic spices, ajwain (carom seeds), and a creamy, flavorful base. The inclusion of cashews in the gravy gives it a creamy texture and a nutty flavor that perfectly complements the soft paneer cubes. This recipe is not only flavorful but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions when you want to impress your guests with a delicious vegetarian dish.
Ingredients for Amritsari Ajwaini Paneer
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (cubed) | 1 cup |
| Tomato Puree | 1 cup |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Garlic (cloves) | 2 |
| Green Chilli | 1 |
| Fresh Ginger | 1-inch piece |
| Cashews | 5 |
| Cloves | 2 |
| Celery | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh Coriander (chopped) | For garnish |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Instructions for Making Amritsari Ajwaini Paneer
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Prepare the Onion-Garlic Paste: Start by grinding the onion, garlic, ginger, and green chilli together in a mixer grinder to form a smooth paste. Set it aside for later.
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Prepare the Cashew Paste: In the same mixer grinder, add the cashews along with a little water and blend them into a smooth paste. Keep it aside as well.
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Grind the Celery and Cloves: Next, grind the celery and cloves together in a mortar and pestle until they form a coarse mixture.
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Cook the Gravy Base: Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the prepared onion paste and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes slightly golden and aromatic.
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Add the Spices: Add the turmeric powder, garam masala powder, and coriander powder to the onion mixture. Cook this spice blend for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Add the Tomato Puree and More Spices: Pour in the tomato puree, red chilli powder, and salt. Stir everything together and cover the pan, letting it cook for 4-5 minutes so the flavors can combine and the gravy thickens.
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Add Cashew Paste and Sugar: After the gravy has thickened, add the prepared cashew paste and sugar to the pan. Stir well and cook for another minute, allowing the gravy to reach a creamy consistency.
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Add the Paneer: Gently add the cubed paneer to the gravy. Stir carefully to coat the paneer cubes with the rich, flavorful sauce. Cook for an additional 5 minutes on low heat, allowing the paneer to absorb the spices.
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Garnish and Serve: Once the dish is ready, garnish it with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness. Serve your Amritsari Ajwaini Paneer hot with Onion Thepla and a side of Coriander Mint Chutney for the perfect North Indian meal experience.
Serving Suggestions
Amritsari Ajwaini Paneer pairs wonderfully with traditional Indian flatbreads like naan, roti, or paratha. You can also serve it with rice or a side of Onion Thepla and Coriander Mint Chutney for added flavor and texture.
Enjoy this rich and aromatic dish, full of delightful flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of North India!
