Badami Paneer Masala Recipe – Paneer in Almond Gravy
Badami Paneer Masala is a rich and flavorful North Indian dish that combines soft paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with a creamy, aromatic almond-based gravy. This indulgent vegetarian recipe makes for a perfect side dish to pair with naan, rice, or roti. The subtle sweetness of almonds and the warming spices make this dish a delightful addition to your dinner table.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 300 grams, cut into triangles |
| Badam (Almonds) | 1/2 cup |
| Onions (roughly chopped) | 2 |
| Tomatoes (roughly chopped) | 4 |
| Ginger (roughly chopped) | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic cloves | 4 |
| Dry Red Chilies | 3 |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 2 teaspoons |
| Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Bay Leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 |
| Ghee or Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 18 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 12 grams |
| Fat | 28 grams |
| Fiber | 4 grams |
| Sugar | 5 grams |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
| Cholesterol | 35 mg |
Instructions
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Soak the Almonds: Begin by soaking the almonds in a bowl of hot water for about 10 minutes to soften them. After this, remove the skin by gently pressing on each almond. Alternatively, you can blanch them in the microwave. Once peeled, set them aside for later.
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Marinate the Paneer: In a bowl, take the paneer pieces and marinate them with turmeric powder and 1 teaspoon of Kashmiri red chili powder. Let the paneer sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the spices.
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Prepare the Tomato Puree: In a mixer or blender, blend the chopped tomatoes into a smooth puree. Set this aside for later use.
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Make the Almond Paste: In the same blender or mixer, grind 1/4 cup of the soaked almonds, along with ginger, garlic, onions, and dry red chilies, into a fine paste. Set aside.
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Shallow Fry the Paneer: Heat a tablespoon of ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat. Shallow fry the marinated paneer pieces until they are about three-quarters cooked, with a slight golden-brown color on both sides. Remove the paneer from the pan and set aside.
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Prepare the Gravy: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of ghee (or oil) and heat on medium. Add the bay leaf to the ghee and sauté for about 30 seconds, allowing the bay leaf to infuse the oil with its fragrance.
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Cook the Onion-Almond Paste: Next, add the almond-onion paste to the pan and sauté for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the raw smell of the masala disappears. Be careful not to burn it.
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Add the Tomato Puree: Pour in the tomato puree and continue to sauté until the rawness of the tomatoes fades, and the oil begins to separate from the gravy.
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Spice the Gravy: Now, add the coriander powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, garam masala, and mix everything well to combine. Cook for another 2 minutes, letting the spices meld together.
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Simmer the Gravy: Add about 1.5 cups of water to the pan and season with salt. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Then, reduce the heat to low.
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Add the Paneer and Almonds: Gently add the partially fried paneer triangles into the gravy along with the remaining whole almonds. Let the curry simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, allowing the paneer to soak up the flavors.
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Garnish and Serve: Once the gravy thickens slightly and the paneer is fully cooked, switch off the heat. Garnish with onion rings for an added crunch and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions
Badami Paneer Masala is best served with Butter Naan, Bhindi Masala, Mooli Raita, and a comforting bowl of Khatti Meethi Dal Chawal for a complete North Indian meal experience. It also pairs well with Steamed Rice or Jeera Rice if you’re craving something simpler to complement the richness of the gravy.
Enjoy this luxurious dish on a special occasion, family dinner, or weekend feast, and treat yourself to a creamy, indulgent meal that’s sure to impress!
Tips
- Customize the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of dry red chilies and adjust the Kashmiri chili powder to your taste.
- Vegan Variation: Replace paneer with tofu for a vegan alternative, ensuring the cooking time for tofu is adjusted to avoid overcooking.
- Almonds: You can grind the almonds finely for a smooth texture, or leave them slightly coarse for added crunch in the gravy.
This Badami Paneer Masala Recipe is a perfect blend of rich ingredients and traditional spices, making it a delightful side dish that elevates any meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a festive occasion or simply craving a hearty vegetarian curry, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
