Paneer Roghanjosh: A Flavorful Journey into Indian Cuisine
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Description: This delicious Paneer Roghanjosh recipe, inspired by the Food column of Anjali Vellody from the Weekend, offers a delightful glimpse into the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine. With a perfect blend of spices and creamy paneer, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Recipe Category: Curries
Keywords: Onions, Vegetable, Asian, Indian, Savory, < 60 Mins, Stove Top, Stir Fry
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer | 500 grams |
| Plain fat-free yogurt | ½ cup |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Ginger | ½ inch piece |
| Malt vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Cinnamon stick | 1 stick |
| Green cardamoms | 2 pods |
| Cloves | 2 whole |
| Onion | 1 medium |
| Cumin powder | 1½ teaspoons |
| Coriander powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Fennel powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | ¾ teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Fresh coriander leaves | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh mint leaves | 1 tablespoon |
| Water or vegetable stock | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 69.3 kcal |
| Total Fat | 3.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 8.8 mg |
| Sodium | 32.6 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 7.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.9 g |
| Sugars | 3.7 g |
| Protein | 2.5 g |
Instructions
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Marinate the Paneer: In a mixing bowl, combine the paneer cubes, plain fat-free yogurt, half of the minced garlic, half of the grated ginger, and the malt vinegar. Mix everything thoroughly until the paneer is well coated. Set this aside to marinate for about 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Prepare the Aromatics: While the paneer is marinating, finely chop the onion and prepare the remaining ginger and garlic. This step is crucial as the freshness of these ingredients will enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
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Heat the Ghee: In a large wok or deep skillet, heat the ghee over medium heat. Once the ghee is hot and shimmering, add the whole spices including the cinnamon stick, green cardamoms, and cloves. Stir-fry these for about 30 seconds, or until they release their aromatic fragrance, filling your kitchen with delightful scents.
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Sauté the Onions and Aromatics: Toss in the remaining ginger, garlic, and the chopped onion into the wok. Stir-fry this mixture for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the onions are soft and lightly browned, and the raw smell of ginger and garlic has dissipated. This step is vital as it forms the aromatic base of your curry.
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Incorporate the Ground Spices: Sprinkle in the cumin powder, coriander powder, fennel powder, and red chili powder. Stir the mixture well to combine, allowing the spices to cook for about 2 minutes. You should notice a rich aroma as the spices toast lightly in the ghee.
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Fold in the Paneer: Gently add the marinated paneer cubes to the wok, folding them in carefully to ensure they do not break apart. Mix well so that the paneer is thoroughly coated with the spiced onion mixture.
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Add Liquid and Simmer: Pour in the water or vegetable stock, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the wok and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop and the gravy to thicken beautifully.
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Finish with Seasoning: After the simmering time, uncover the wok and stir in the salt, garam masala powder, fresh coriander leaves, and fresh mint leaves. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Allow it to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes so the herbs infuse their freshness into the curry.
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Serve and Enjoy: Your Paneer Roghanjosh is now ready to be served! Spoon the hot curry into serving bowls and enjoy it with warm rotis, naan, or even fragrant basmati rice. Each bite offers a burst of flavors that is truly satisfying.
As you prepare this dish, let the aromatic spices transport you to the heart of India, where flavors dance in harmony. This Paneer Roghanjosh is not just a meal; it’s an experience to cherish, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. Enjoy your culinary journey!
