Honey Paneer Recipe – A Sweet and Savory Indian Delight
If you’re craving something that perfectly balances sweetness and spice, this Honey Paneer is the perfect choice. Rich, creamy, and full of aromatic flavors, this dish is quick to prepare and absolutely delicious. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, Honey Paneer is an incredible blend of soft, succulent paneer (Indian cottage cheese) simmered in a spiced tomato gravy, sweetened delicately with honey and finished off with a sprinkle of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves). Whether served with warm phulkas (Indian flatbread) or paired with spinach raita, this dish will quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients for Honey Paneer Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (cubed) | 1 cup |
| Tomato puree | 1 ½ cups |
| Fresh cream (or milk) | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh ginger (grated) | 2 inches |
| Cumin seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Cardamom powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Coriander powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder | ¼ teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) | 1 tablespoon |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Cooking oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Instructions for Making Honey Paneer
-
Heat the Oil
Begin by heating 2 teaspoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm up before adding the next ingredients. -
Infuse the Ginger and Honey
Once the oil is hot, add the freshly grated ginger and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in the honey and allow it to heat until it begins to bubble gently. The honey will slightly caramelize and infuse the ginger with its sweetness. -
Add the Spices
To the bubbling honey and ginger mixture, add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, and cook for about 15-20 seconds. This quick cooking of the spices will release their essential oils and deepen their flavors. -
Tomato Puree and Seasoning
Now, add the tomato puree, salt, red chili powder, and cardamom powder. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the tomatoes blend well with the spices. -
Incorporate Cream or Milk
After 2-3 minutes, pour in the cream (or substitute with milk if you prefer a lighter version) and stir well. Allow the sauce to simmer for another minute, ensuring the cream is fully incorporated into the gravy. -
Add Paneer and Kasuri Methi
Gently add the paneer cubes and kasuri methi (crushed between your palms to release its flavor) into the pan. Stir gently to coat the paneer with the rich gravy, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the paneer absorbs the flavors of the sauce and softens further. -
Garnish and Serve
Once the paneer is cooked through and the sauce has reached a creamy consistency, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish the dish with finely chopped green coriander leaves to add a fresh burst of flavor and color. -
Serving Suggestions
Honey Paneer can be served hot with phulkas (Indian flatbread) or enjoyed alongside a bowl of refreshing spinach raita for a complete meal. This dish is also a perfect accompaniment to rice-based meals or can stand alone as a main dish when paired with naan or roti.
Tips for Perfect Honey Paneer:
- Paneer: You can use store-bought paneer or make it at home for a fresher, creamier texture. To make the paneer even softer, you can soak it in warm water for about 15 minutes before cooking.
- Honey: Use good quality honey for the best flavor. The natural sweetness of honey really enhances the depth of the spices in this dish.
- Spices: Adjust the red chili powder based on your spice tolerance. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the chili powder or replace it with a pinch of paprika.
- Cream or Milk: For a richer dish, use fresh cream. If you want a lighter version, opt for milk, which still provides a creamy texture but is less heavy.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250-300 kcal |
| Protein | 12-14 g |
| Fat | 18-22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12-15 g |
| Fiber | 2-3 g |
| Sodium | 300-350 mg |
| Sugar | 10-12 g |
Honey Paneer is a wonderful blend of sweet and savory flavors, enriched with the goodness of paneer, and the warmth of Indian spices. It’s a delightful dish that can easily be whipped up in less than an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or even as part of a festive spread. Serve it with your favorite flatbread or a cool raita to balance the heat and sweetness. Enjoy this flavorful, high-protein vegetarian treat!
