Dahi Wale Paneer Recipe – Paneer In A Curd Gravy
Description:
Dahi Wale Paneer is a delightful North Indian dish that features paneer cubes cooked in a creamy, tangy curd gravy, enriched with aromatic spices and flavors. This dish is perfect for a special weekend meal or a festive occasion. Pair it with fragrant jeera rice, phulkas, and a fresh kachumber salad for a complete culinary experience.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 400 grams |
| Garlic (chopped) | 3 cloves |
| Ginger (chopped) | 2 inches |
| Fresh Red chillies (chopped) | 2 |
| Red Bell pepper (Capsicum, chopped) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 2 teaspoons |
| Garam masala powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 100 grams |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Onions (sliced) | 2 |
| Homemade tomato puree | 2 tablespoons |
| Whole cashews or almonds (paste) | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh cream | 50 grams |
| Coriander (Dhania) leaves (for garnish) | 1 tablespoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 280 kcal |
| Protein | 12 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 15 grams |
| Fat | 20 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Marinate the Paneer
- Begin by making a paste with the chopped ginger, garlic, and fresh red chillies using a mortar and pestle. This will be the base for our flavorful curry.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped red bell pepper, cumin powder, coriander powder, and garam masala powder. Mix all the spices well.
- Divide this spice mixture in half. In one half, add the curd, salt to taste, and the paneer cubes. Mix well to ensure the paneer is coated. Cover and set aside for about 1 hour to marinate.
Step 2: Prepare the Gravy
4. To prepare the gravy, heat the butter in a heavy-bottomed pan over low heat. Once hot, add the sliced onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent.
5. Add the ginger-garlic-chilli paste to the softened onions and cook for approximately 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Incorporate the remaining spice mixture and cook until the bell pepper is tender, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Add the homemade tomato puree, turmeric powder, cashew or almond paste, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly and let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes, adding water as needed to achieve your desired gravy consistency.
Step 3: Cook the Paneer
8. Once the gravy is ready, reduce the flame to low and carefully add the whisked curd, stirring continuously to prevent it from curdling. Allow it to cook for an additional 5 minutes, letting the flavors blend.
9. In a separate non-stick pan, shallow fry or grill the marinated paneer pieces in oil until they turn golden brown on both sides.
Step 4: Final Assembly
10. After frying the paneer, gently fold the golden pieces into the gravy. Mix thoroughly to ensure the paneer is well coated.
11. Add the fresh cream to the pan, stirring gently, and let everything cook together for about 2 more minutes. Just before serving, drizzle in the lemon juice for a touch of acidity and freshness.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestion:
Serve the Dahi Wale Paneer hot alongside a platter of Palak Dal, Tomato Onion Cucumber Raita, fragrant Jeera Rice, freshly made Phulkas, and a refreshing Kachumber Salad. This combination not only enhances the meal’s flavor but also creates a satisfying balance of textures and tastes. Enjoy your culinary journey into North Indian cuisine!
Cooking Tips
- For extra richness, consider adding more cream or a splash of milk to the gravy.
- You can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the number of red chillies used.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep; the flavors deepen and improve when reheated, making it ideal for leftovers.
With this Dahi Wale Paneer recipe, you are well on your way to creating a delicious and satisfying meal that brings the warmth of Indian cuisine to your table. Enjoy cooking and indulging in this delightful dish!
