Methi Paneer Bhurji in Creamy Gravy
Description
Methi Paneer Bhurji in Creamy Gravy is a delightful North Indian recipe that combines the rich, creamy texture of paneer with the earthy, slightly bitter taste of fenugreek (methi) leaves. This dish features crumbled paneer sautéed with aromatic spices, green chilies, and veggies, and is then bathed in a creamy tomato gravy. It’s an indulgent, comforting dish, perfect for lunch, dinner, or serving at parties. The balance of flavors and textures in this dish is sure to please anyone who enjoys a hearty vegetarian meal.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Homemade tomato puree | 1 cup |
| Onion (roughly chopped) | 1 |
| Garlic cloves | 2 |
| Ginger (1-inch piece) | 1 |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower oil (for cooking) | As needed |
| Fresh cream | 2 tablespoons |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Green chilies (finely chopped) | 2 |
| Ginger (grated) | 1-inch piece |
| Green bell pepper (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Tomato (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Methi leaves (fenugreek leaves) | 3/4 cup |
| Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) | 2 teaspoons |
| Paneer (homemade cottage cheese) | 200 grams (crumbled) |
| Red chili powder | To taste |
| Fresh coriander leaves (finely chopped) | 4 sprigs |
Instructions
Prepare the Tomato Gravy:
- Prep Ingredients: Start by prepping all the ingredients. Make homemade tomato puree and crumble the paneer. Keep them aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat a teaspoon of sunflower oil on medium heat. Add roughly chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté the onions until they become golden brown and caramelized.
- Make Onion Paste: Once the onions are caramelized, turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Grind the cooled mixture into a smooth paste using a small jar of a mixer grinder.
- Prepare the Gravy: In the same pan, add a little more oil and return the onion paste to the pan. Heat on medium. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala powder. Sauté for a few seconds to allow the spices to bloom.
- Add Tomato Puree: Stir in the tomato puree, combining it well with the spices. Bring the mixture to a boil. Optionally, add a tablespoon of butter for a richer taste.
- Finish the Gravy: Season with salt to taste, adjust spices if needed, and stir in the fresh cream. Turn off the heat and set the gravy aside.
Prepare the Paneer Bhurji:
- Heat Oil: In a separate heavy-bottomed pan, heat some sunflower oil. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle.
- Sauté Veggies: Add finely chopped onions, green chilies, ginger, and bell peppers. Sauté them until they become soft and cooked through.
- Add Tomatoes and Methi: Add finely chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, methi leaves, and kasuri methi to the pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the methi leaves wilt and soften.
- Add Crumbled Paneer: Stir in the crumbled paneer, adding salt and red chili powder to taste. Mix everything well and cook for another minute or so, allowing the flavors to meld.
Combine and Serve:
- Mix with Gravy: Add the cooked paneer bhurji to the creamy tomato gravy. Stir everything together and bring the entire mixture to a brisk boil.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the dish and adjust the salt and spices as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Stir in freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness. Serve the Methi Paneer Bhurji in creamy gravy with warm phulkas (Indian flatbreads) and a refreshing summer lettuce salad on the side for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this dish with phulkas or naan to soak up the rich creamy gravy.
- Pair it with a Summer Lettuce Salad for a light and crunchy contrast.
- This dish also makes an excellent addition to a vegetarian buffet or party spread.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 14g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Sodium | 450mg |
Notes:
- Paneer: Homemade paneer gives the dish a fresher taste, but store-bought paneer works just as well if you’re short on time.
- Methi Leaves: Fresh methi leaves can be substituted with dried methi, but fresh leaves provide a more vibrant flavor.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder and garam masala based on your spice preference.
- Richness: Adding butter to the gravy makes the dish richer, but it can be skipped if you’re looking for a lighter version.
This flavorful, creamy Methi Paneer Bhurji is a comforting, high-protein dish that is ideal for a weeknight dinner or special occasions. The combination of paneer, methi, and creamy tomato gravy creates a unique taste that’s both satisfying and aromatic. Enjoy this dish with your favorite Indian bread or rice for a complete and wholesome meal.
