Paneer Pasanda Recipe – Cottage Cheese in Spicy Yogurt Curry
Description:
Paneer Pasanda is a delightful and indulgent dish that brings together the rich flavors of cottage cheese (paneer) and a fragrant, spicy yogurt-based curry. Unlike traditional tomato-based paneer dishes, Paneer Pasanda boasts a lighter, creamier texture with the subtle sweetness of cashews, the warm heat of cardamom, and the bold flavors of kasuri methi and garam masala. This dish is perfect for those who want to enjoy a high-protein vegetarian meal that is as comforting as it is flavorful. Serve this savory creation with roti, chapati, or naan for a complete meal that will leave you craving more.
Cuisine: Awadhi
Course: Lunch
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Main Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 250 grams (cut into cubes) |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1 cup |
| Gram flour (Besan) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ingredients for the Paste | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cashew Nuts | 6 pieces |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Green Chillies | 2, slit |
| Ginger | 1-inch piece, chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, chopped |
| Cardamom Pods/Seeds | 1, de-seeded |
| Other Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Paneer:
Begin by preparing the paneer. If you’re using homemade paneer, follow the steps for making it and cut the paneer into neat, bite-sized cubes. Set it aside. -
Make the Paste:
In a blender or food processor, combine the cashew nuts, finely chopped onion, green chillies, ginger, garlic, and cardamom pods. Grind them together into a smooth paste, adding a splash of water if necessary to help the mixture blend together. -
Whisk the Yogurt Mixture:
In a separate bowl, whisk the curd (yogurt) until smooth. Add the gram flour (besan), red chili powder, kasuri methi, garam masala powder, and salt to the yogurt. Whisk everything together until the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Set this yogurt mixture aside for later use. -
Cook the Paste:
Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or wok over medium heat. Add the prepared cashew-nut and onion paste to the pan and sauté it on low-medium heat. Stir constantly to prevent the paste from burning. Cook until the raw smell from the onion disappears, and the paste turns a light golden color. This will take about 5-7 minutes. -
Add the Yogurt Mixture:
Once the paste is cooked to a rich golden color, pour in the prepared yogurt mixture. Stir continuously to ensure that it does not curdle. Cook the mixture until it thickens and begins to come together into a smooth, creamy gravy. This may take around 8-10 minutes. -
Simmer the Paneer Pasanda:
When the gravy has thickened, carefully add the cubed paneer into the wok. Stir gently to coat the paneer with the creamy yogurt gravy. Let it simmer on low heat for another 2-3 minutes to allow the paneer to absorb the flavors of the curry. -
Adjust Seasoning:
Taste the curry and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or spices as needed. If you like a bit more heat, you can also add an extra pinch of red chili powder at this point. -
Finish and Serve:
Once the flavors are balanced and the paneer is tender, turn off the heat. Serve your Paneer Pasanda hot with soft phulka, naan, or tawa paratha. For a truly complete meal, pair this dish with a side of fresh salad and raita.
Tips:
- For a richer texture, you can grind the cashews into a fine paste or use cashew cream to add extra creaminess to the gravy.
- If you prefer a spicier curry, increase the amount of green chilies or red chili powder to suit your taste.
- Paneer Pasanda can also be made with store-bought paneer, but homemade paneer adds a fresh, soft texture that elevates the dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 225 kcal
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
Enjoy this rich and flavorful Paneer Pasanda as a part of your next meal, and you’ll quickly find yourself returning to this recipe again and again. Its creamy, spicy nature is perfect for impressing guests at lunch or serving a comforting homemade dish for your family.
