Paalkatti Chettinad Curry Recipe – Chettinad Style Paneer Kurma
Description:
Paalkatti Chettinad Curry, or Chettinad Style Paneer Kurma, is a vibrant and flavorful dish that originates from the rich culinary tradition of Chettinad. This spicy curry is made by preparing a unique Chettinad masala, which is a blend of roasted spices ground into a smooth paste. The aromatic paste is then added to sautéed pearl onions and tomatoes, creating a base with layers of flavor. Paneer, or homemade cottage cheese, is simmered in this rich curry, absorbing the bold spices and offering a delightful contrast to the heat. Paalkatti Chettinad Curry is a satisfying vegetarian main course, perfect to pair with soft Tawa Parathas and a refreshing Carrot Cucumber Tomato Salad for a wholesome meal.
Cuisine: Chettinad
Course: Main Course
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 250 grams, cubed |
| Pearl onions (Sambar Onions) | 1/2 cup, quartered |
| Tomato | 1, chopped |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | For cooking |
| Curry leaves | 2 sprigs |
| For the Chettinad paste: | |
| Coriander (Dhania) seeds | 2 tablespoons |
| Cloves (Laung) | 3 |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch piece |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 1 |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 2 teaspoons |
| Kalpasi leaves | 3 |
| Star anise | 2 |
| Dry Red Chilli | 6 |
| Poppy seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh coconut, grated | 1/2 cup |
| For garnish: | |
| Green Chillies | 2, slit |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | A small bunch, finely chopped |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Instructions:
-
Roast the Chettinad Paste Ingredients:
Begin by roasting the ingredients for the Chettinad paste. Preheat a pan and add the coriander seeds, cloves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, black peppercorns, kalpasi leaves, star anise, dry red chilies, and grated coconut. Sauté the ingredients on medium heat until the coconut turns a golden brown. Allow the mixture to cool, then transfer it to a grinder. Add a little water and grind it to a smooth paste. Set this paste aside for later use. -
Prepare the Curry Base:
In a non-stick shallow pan, heat oil over medium flame. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Immediately add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the pan for extra aroma. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the chopped garlic and pearl onions to the pan. Sauté them until they turn golden brown. Next, add the chopped tomatoes and cook them until they become soft and the raw smell disappears. You can add a pinch of salt here to speed up the cooking process. -
Cook the Paneer:
Once the tomatoes are cooked, add the cubed paneer to the pan along with the prepared Chettinad paste. Stir well to coat the paneer and onions with the flavorful paste. -
Simmer the Curry:
Add some water to the pan to adjust the consistency of the curry. Cover the pan and allow it to simmer for about 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Final Touches:
Once the curry is done, open the lid and add freshly chopped coriander leaves. Stir gently to combine and infuse the curry with a fresh herbal note. -
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish the Paalkatti Chettinad Curry with slit green chilies and fresh curry leaves for an added touch of color and flavor. Serve this delicious curry hot with Tawa Paratha and a side of Carrot Cucumber Tomato Salad dressed with lemon and coriander.
Serving Suggestions:
Paalkatti Chettinad Curry pairs beautifully with soft, warm Tawa Parathas or steamed rice. The addition of a crunchy Carrot Cucumber Tomato Salad adds a refreshing balance to the spicy and rich curry, making it the perfect meal for any occasion. The hearty, aromatic curry is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more!
This Chettinad-style Paneer Kurma recipe captures the essence of traditional South Indian cooking, with a perfect balance of heat, aromatic spices, and creamy paneer. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a satisfying weeknight meal, this curry is sure to impress with its complex flavors and comforting appeal. Enjoy the rich taste of Chettinad cuisine right at home!
