Broccoli Paneer and Peanut Masala Recipe
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Dinner
Diet: High-Protein Vegetarian
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Description:
Broccoli Paneer and Peanut Masala is a delightful and nutritious dish that brings together the goodness of fresh broccoli, creamy homemade paneer (cottage cheese), and crunchy raw peanuts. With the warmth of Indian spices and a rich, aromatic sauce, this dish makes for a fulfilling vegetarian meal. Perfect for a dinner spread, it pairs beautifully with phulkas or whole wheat lachha parathas and a side of beetroot raita.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Broccoli (florets) | 2 cups |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese, cubes) | 1 cup |
| Raw Peanuts (Moongphali) | 1 cup |
| Green Chillies | 4, finely chopped |
| Onions | 4, chopped |
| Tomatoes | 4, chopped |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 2 tsp |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 1 tsp |
| Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder | 1 tsp |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Biryani Masala | 1/2 tsp |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/4 tsp |
| Butter | 2 tsp |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 1 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Spice Base:
Begin by heating a teaspoon of oil in a wok or large pan. Once the oil is hot, add the whole black peppercorns and 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds (jeera). Allow the cumin seeds to splutter, releasing their aromatic flavors into the oil. -
Sauté Onions and Green Chillies:
Add the chopped onions and green chillies to the wok. Sauté them on medium heat until the onions become soft and slightly browned, releasing their natural sweetness. -
Roast the Peanuts:
Add the raw peanuts to the wok and roast them for about 3 to 4 minutes on medium flame. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent them from burning. The peanuts will begin to crisp up and take on a light golden color. -
Add Tomatoes and Make a Paste:
Next, add the chopped tomatoes to the pan. Stir well and cook until the tomatoes soften and become mushy, blending into the mixture. Once this happens, switch off the flame and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. -
Blend the Tomato-Onion Mixture:
Once cooled, transfer the tomato-onion-peanut mixture to a blender and blend into a smooth paste. Set this paste aside for later use. -
Cook the Broccoli:
Heat another teaspoon of oil in the same wok. Add cumin seeds, Kashmiri red chilli powder, and turmeric powder. Allow these spices to release their aroma before adding the broccoli florets. Sauté the broccoli on medium flame for 8 to 10 minutes, until the florets are tender but still retain a slight crunch. -
Add Paneer and Spice Mixture:
Now, add the paneer cubes, garam masala powder, and biryani masala to the wok. Stir well to coat the paneer with the spices and ensure it does not stick to the pan. Cook for a few minutes to allow the paneer to soak in the flavors. -
Add the Paste and Simmer:
Add the prepared onion-tomato-peanut paste into the wok and mix thoroughly. Let the mixture simmer on medium flame for another 5 to 8 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. -
Final Touches:
Stir in salt and butter, allowing the butter to melt into the dish. Add the kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for a burst of flavor and aroma. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring all the ingredients are well combined. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the dish is ready, switch off the flame and serve the Broccoli Paneer and Peanut Masala hot. Pair it with phulkas, whole wheat lachha parathas, and a side of refreshing beetroot raita for a complete and satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions:
This hearty and flavorful dish pairs perfectly with soft, freshly made phulkas or whole wheat lachha parathas. A side of creamy beetroot raita adds a cool, tangy contrast to the spicy and rich flavors of the masala. For a complete meal, serve with a refreshing cucumber salad or a bowl of dal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~290 kcal |
| Protein | ~15 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~25 g |
| Fat | ~18 g |
| Fiber | ~6 g |
| Sodium | ~350 mg |
Broccoli Paneer and Peanut Masala is not only a tasty and comforting dish but also packed with protein and healthy fats, making it an excellent choice for a satisfying vegetarian meal. Whether you’re enjoying it as a weeknight dinner or serving it at a family gathering, this dish is sure to impress with its rich, layered flavors. Enjoy!
