Paneer Bhurji Gravy Recipe: A Delicious North Indian Comfort Dish
Paneer Bhurji Gravy is a rich and flavorful North Indian dish, made with crumbled paneer (homemade cottage cheese) simmered in a fragrant, spiced gravy. This dish is a twist on the traditional dry paneer bhurji, adding a luscious gravy to elevate its taste and texture. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, this recipe is both nutritious and satisfying, especially for those who follow a vegetarian, high-protein diet.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sunflower oil | As required |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Bay leaves (Tej Patta) | 1 |
| Star anise | 1 |
| Dry red chili | 1 |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 |
| Black cardamom (Badi Elaichi) | 1 |
| Green cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 2 |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 large |
| Ginger paste | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Garlic paste | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Homemade tomato puree | 1/4 cup |
| Tomato (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 1 cup, crumbled |
| Fresh coriander (Dhania) leaves | A few sprigs, for garnish |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | As required |
| Water | As required, for consistency |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Dinner
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Instructions:
Step 1: Temper the Spices
To begin making the Paneer Bhurji Gravy, heat a generous amount of sunflower oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Once they begin to splutter, add the bay leaf, dry red chili, black cardamom, green cardamom, star anise, and a pinch of asafoetida (hing). Allow the spices to infuse the oil, releasing a rich aroma that sets the base for the flavorful gravy.
Step 2: Sauté Onions
Once the spices have bloomed, add the finely chopped onion to the pan. Stir and cook the onions until they soften and become translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step is essential as the sweet and savory flavors of the onions will balance the heat from the spices.
Step 3: Ginger-Garlic Paste
Next, add the ginger and garlic paste. Cook this for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the raw aroma of the paste dissipates, and the mixture becomes fragrant.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Tomato Puree
Now, add the chopped tomato and homemade tomato puree to the pan. Stir everything together and cover the pan with a lid. Let the tomatoes cook for about 3-4 minutes, until they soften and begin to break down, forming a thick, pulpy base for the gravy.
Step 5: Spice It Up
Once the tomatoes are cooked through, add the following spices: red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Stir well to combine the spices into the tomato mixture. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the spices to fully infuse the gravy.
Step 6: Add Crumbled Paneer and Water
After the spices have blended into the tomato mixture, add the crumbled paneer to the pan. Stir to mix the paneer with the spiced gravy. Add water according to your desired consistency for the gravy. For a thicker gravy, use less water; for a lighter, more soupy texture, add more. Stir everything together and let the dish simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the paneer to soak up the spices.
Step 7: Final Touches
Turn off the heat once the paneer has absorbed the flavors and the gravy has reached your preferred consistency. Garnish the Paneer Bhurji Gravy with fresh coriander leaves, which will add a burst of freshness and color to the dish.
Step 8: Serve
Serve your delicious Paneer Bhurji Gravy hot with steamed rice, roti, or paratha. For a complete meal, pair it with a side of Bharwa Karela (stuffed bitter gourd) and Pudina Tawa Paratha (mint flatbread) for a traditional, well-rounded North Indian dinner.
Tips for the Perfect Paneer Bhurji Gravy:
- Paneer Texture: Fresh homemade paneer works best for this dish as it gives a soft and creamy texture. If you’re using store-bought paneer, be sure to crumble it well and soak it in warm water for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the gravy to soften it.
- Consistency: You can adjust the thickness of the gravy by adding water. If you prefer a thicker gravy, use less water or let it cook for a bit longer to reduce the sauce.
- Spices: Adjust the level of spice to your liking. If you enjoy a milder dish, reduce the amount of red chili powder. On the other hand, for more heat, increase it according to your taste.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~300 kcal |
| Protein | ~16g |
| Carbohydrates | ~15g |
| Fat | ~22g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
| Sodium | ~500mg |
| Iron | ~1.5mg |
Paneer Bhurji Gravy is an incredibly versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re preparing a simple weeknight dinner or hosting a special gathering. The combination of warm spices, tender paneer, and a smooth gravy makes it a favorite in many North Indian households. Plus, its high protein content makes it a nutritious option for those following a vegetarian diet.
Enjoy the delightful flavors of this comforting dish and share it with loved ones for a memorable meal!
