Kashmiri Style Paneer in Spiced Milk Curry Recipe
A Flavorful and Healthy Kashmiri Delight
This delightful Kashmiri Paneer recipe, known for its rich and aromatic flavors, brings together fresh paneer cubes simmered in a delicate milk-based curry infused with aromatic spices. The addition of Figaro Extra Virgin Olive Oil elevates this dish, making it lighter while maintaining its luxurious flavor profile. Perfect for a lunch or dinner, this vegetarian recipe offers a warm, comforting, and healthy option for any meal.
Cuisine: Kashmiri
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 1 cup, cubed |
| Milk | 1-1/2 cups |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Bay leaves (Tej Patta) | 2, torn |
| Dry ginger powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Saffron strands | A few |
| Cloves (Laung) | 3, to make powder |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 3, to make powder |
| Fennel seeds (Saunf) | 2 teaspoons |
| Methi Seeds (Fenugreek Seeds) | 1 teaspoon |
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Instructions:
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Prepare the Paneer:
- If you’re making homemade paneer, start by preparing it and set it aside. You can follow a Homemade Paneer Recipe for the best results.
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-
Crush the Spices:
- To enhance the depth of flavor, take the cloves, cardamom, fennel seeds, and methi seeds, and grind them together into a fine powder. Set aside for later use.
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Cook the Curry:
- In a heavy-bottomed pan (kadai), heat the Extra Virgin Olive Oil over medium heat. Allow it to warm up.
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Tempering the Spices:
- Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and let them crackle. After this, add the freshly ground spice powder mixture to the oil and allow the flavors to release.
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Add the Milk:
- Carefully pour in the milk and bring it to a boil. As the milk heats up, stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
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Flavor the Milk:
- Once the milk begins to boil, add the turmeric powder, dry ginger powder, garam masala powder, bay leaves, and saffron strands. Mix everything well, ensuring the spices blend seamlessly with the milk.
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Simmer with Paneer:
- Reduce the heat to low and gently add the paneer cubes into the milk mixture. Allow the curry to cook, simmering gently as the milk thickens.
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Season the Curry:
- Season the curry with salt to taste. Continue cooking undisturbed until the paneer becomes soft and the milk has reduced to a creamy consistency.
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Final Touches:
- Once the curry has reached the desired creamy texture, turn off the heat. Taste the dish and adjust the salt and spices if necessary.
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Serve:
- Serve your Kashmiri Style Paneer in Spiced Milk Curry warm, ideally alongside Phulka (Indian flatbread), Jeera Pulao (Cumin Rice), and a refreshing Kachumber Salad with cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes for a complete meal.
Tips for a Perfect Kashmiri Paneer:
- Paneer Variations: If you don’t have homemade paneer, store-bought paneer can be used, but make sure it’s fresh for the best texture.
- Spice Adjustment: You can increase or decrease the spice levels according to your personal taste preferences. For a milder curry, reduce the garam masala and dry ginger powder.
- Saffron: The saffron strands add a beautiful color and subtle aroma to the curry. You can soak them in a bit of warm milk before adding them to enhance their flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this dish with warm phulka (roti) or fragrant jeera pulao to make it a fulfilling meal. To complement the flavors, a kachumber salad with cucumber, onion, and tomatoes brings a refreshing crunch to the meal. This Kashmiri-style curry is perfect for a wholesome and satisfying lunch or dinner.
This recipe is perfect for anyone seeking a rich, flavorful vegetarian curry that is both light and nourishing. The combination of aromatic spices and creamy milk creates a dish that is sure to be loved by all. Whether you’re making it for a family lunch or a special dinner gathering, Kashmiri Style Paneer in Spiced Milk Curry is a recipe that will stand out and leave everyone asking for more.
