Lehsuni Methi Paneer Recipe β Garlic Methi Paneer Curry
Introduction:
Lehsuni Methi Paneer, also known as Garlic Methi Paneer Curry, is a rich and flavorful North Indian dish that combines the aromatic taste of garlic with the unique bitterness of fenugreek leaves (Kasuri Methi). Paneer, the Indian cottage cheese, soaks in the spices and creamy gravy, making this dish absolutely irresistible. It is perfect for a hearty dinner and is often served alongside rotis or rice. The combination of fresh cream, yogurt, and garam masala gives this curry a rich texture and delightful depth of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a meal with your family, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 250 grams |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 1 tablespoon |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 3 tablespoons |
| Fresh Cream | 1/2 cup |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ghee (Clarified Butter) | 1 teaspoon |
| Whole Cashews | 8 whole |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, chopped |
| Green Chillies | 2, chopped |
| Ginger | 1 inch, chopped |
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings:
- Servings: 4
Cuisine:
- Cuisine: North Indian
Course:
- Course: Dinner
Diet:
- Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Cashew Paste:
- Begin by soaking the cashews in a bowl with 1/4 cup of water for about an hour. Once the cashews have softened, drain the water and set it aside.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the soaked cashews, chopped ginger, garlic, and green chillies. Add the reserved water and blend everything into a smooth paste. Keep this paste aside for later use.
-
-
Make the Cashew Cream Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cashew paste you prepared earlier. To this, add fresh cream, curd (yogurt), garam masala powder, cardamom powder, and salt. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, well-combined mixture.
-
Cook the Paneer:
- Heat ghee in a pan over medium heat. Once the ghee is hot, add the cashew cream mixture into the pan. Stir it well to avoid any lumps, allowing the cream to cook for a minute or two.
- Next, add the chopped paneer cubes to the pan. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors. You can add a little water if the consistency is too thick. Stir occasionally and ensure the curry does not stick to the bottom.
-
Infuse the Flavors:
- Once the paneer has simmered in the creamy gravy, check for salt and spice levels. Adjust to taste if necessary. Finally, add the Kasuri Methi (dried fenugreek leaves) to the pan. Stir it in and cover the pan, turning off the heat. Let the flavors of the methi infuse into the curry for a few minutes.
-
Serve the Dish:
- Transfer the Lehsuni Methi Paneer into a serving bowl. Serve hot and enjoy the delightful blend of garlic, methi, and creamy paneer.
Serving Suggestions:
Lehsuni Methi Paneer pairs wonderfully with a variety of Indian breads and rice. Here are some delicious pairings to complete your meal:
- Smoked Makhani Dhaba Style Dal
- Jeera Rice
- Tomato Onion Tadka Raita
- Garlic Naan
This combination creates a perfect balance of flavors, making it an ideal choice for a house party or a cozy dinner.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 275 |
| Protein | 12 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 15 grams |
| Fat | 22 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sodium | 220 mg |
Lehsuni Methi Paneer is a delicious North Indian dish thatβs both comforting and flavorful. The garlic and fenugreek leaves create a savory base, and the creamy consistency of the curry ensures every bite is rich and satisfying. The addition of paneer not only makes it high in protein but also adds a soft texture that soaks up the spices beautifully. Whether you are cooking for a special occasion or simply craving something flavorful, this curry will surely make your meal memorable.
