Chettinad Paneer Kurma: Authentic Spicy Coconut Curry Recipe

Chettinad Style Paneer Kurma Recipe
(Also known as पाल कट्टी चेट्टिनाड करी)

Introduction
Chettinad cuisine is renowned for its bold and aromatic flavors, with a distinct blend of spices that make every dish a celebration of taste. One of the most popular dishes from this region is the Chettinad Style Paneer Kurma. This curry is a rich, flavorful concoction of paneer (Indian cottage cheese), traditional Chettinad spices, and a delicious coconut-based masala paste. The flavors are perfectly balanced by the tanginess of tomatoes and the heat from the various spices, making it a delightful addition to your main course.

In this recipe, we use a homemade Chettinad masala paste made from scratch. The dish is simple to prepare yet bursting with flavor, making it a perfect option for special occasions or everyday meals. Serve this curry with Tava Paratha or Jeera Rice for a complete meal that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chettinad Masala Paste:

   • In a dry pan, roast the following ingredients until they become fragrant and slightly browned:
     • Coriander seeds
     • Cloves
     • Cinnamon stick
     • Green cardamom
     • Black peppercorns
     • Kalpasi leaves (if using)
     • Star anise
     • Dried red chilies
     • Poppy seeds
   • Once roasted, allow the mixture to cool. Add grated coconut and blend everything into a smooth paste with a little water. Set aside.

2. Cook the Curry:

   • In a non-stick pan, heat oil. Once hot, add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter. Add a pinch of hing (asafoetida) for extra flavor.
   • Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. Then, add chopped garlic and sauté further.
   • Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and blend into the gravy. For faster cooking, you can add a pinch of salt at this stage.
   • Once the tomatoes are cooked down, add the prepared Chettinad masala paste to the pan. Stir well and cook the paste with the onions and tomatoes for a few minutes until the oil begins to separate.

3. Add the Paneer:

   • Now, add cubed paneer pieces into the curry base. Stir gently to ensure the paneer is well-coated with the masala.
   • Add a little water to adjust the consistency of the curry to your preference. Cover and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes so that the paneer absorbs the flavors.

4. Final Touches:

   • Once the curry is cooked, add slit green chilies and curry leaves to the dish. Stir well and cook for another minute or so.
   • Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves before serving.

5. Serving Suggestions:

   • Serve Chettinad Style Paneer Kurma hot with Tava Paratha, Chapati, or Jeera Rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy (paneer) and coconut. It is vegetarian and does not contain gluten or nuts (unless cross-contamination occurs). If you have any allergies to dairy or coconut, consider substituting the paneer with tofu and omitting the coconut.

Dietary Preferences

• Vegetarian
• Gluten-Free (ensure the flatbread is gluten-free if needed)
• Nut-Free (unless cross-contamination occurs)

Tips and Variations:

• For Extra Flavor: You can add a bit of ginger-garlic paste to enhance the flavor profile. This adds a wonderful aromatic depth to the curry.
• Spice Level: Adjust the number of dried red chilies and green chilies to suit your heat preference. If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the amount of chili powder and whole chilies.
• Vegan Option: Swap paneer with tofu or any plant-based protein of your choice. Also, use coconut oil or another neutral oil instead of ghee or butter to keep it vegan.

Conclusion
Chettinad cuisine is famous for its intense and aromatic flavors, and Chettinad Style Paneer Kurma is no exception. This recipe beautifully combines traditional Chettinad spices with the richness of paneer to create a dish that is as flavorful as it is comforting. The homemade masala paste brings an authenticity that enhances the overall taste, making this curry a perfect addition to your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this curry is sure to be a hit!