Paneer Bhutuwa Recipe – Nepalese Paneer Curry
Paneer Bhutuwa is a vibrant and aromatic Nepalese curry, rich in protein and bursting with flavors from the combination of fresh vegetables and paneer. This dish, perfect for lunch or dinner, combines fried paneer cubes with a flavorful spinach-based gravy, spiced with turmeric, garlic, ginger, and a hint of soy sauce. Traditionally served with steamed rice, Paneer Bhutuwa is a great option for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 2 cups |
| Button mushrooms | 2 cups |
| Spinach (blanched and pureed) | 2 cups |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 cup |
| Tomatoes (chopped) | 1 cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 tablespoon |
| Ginger (minced) | 1 tablespoon |
| Dry Red Chillies | 5 |
| Curd (Dahi/Yogurt) | 1/2 cup |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Sunflower oil | As required |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 minutes | 10 minutes | 40 minutes | 4 servings |
Instructions
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Frying the Paneer:
Heat 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil in a non-stick saute pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the paneer cubes to the pan. Shallow fry the cubes, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides. Once fried, drain the paneer cubes on a kitchen towel to remove excess oil. Set them aside. -
-
Cooking the Base:
In the same pan, add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 5 dry red chillies. Cook for about 30 seconds, allowing the spices to release their fragrance. -
Adding Onions, Garlic, and Ginger:
Now, add the chopped onions and stir constantly. Cook them until they turn light brown and soften. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for another minute to release their flavors. -
Cooking the Spinach Puree:
Add the pureed spinach to the pan and stir. Let the spinach cook on low heat for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Adding Tomatoes and Seasoning:
Once the spinach has cooked down, add the chopped tomatoes, yogurt, soy sauce, and black pepper powder. Stir well to combine the ingredients. Let the mixture cook for an additional 6 to 8 minutes, adding a little water if needed to reach your desired consistency. -
Final Step – Adding Paneer:
Add the fried paneer cubes back into the pan and stir them into the gravy. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors of the curry. -
Serving:
Once the curry is ready, turn off the heat and serve hot. For the best experience, pair Paneer Bhutuwa with Nepali Aloo Tareko and steamed rice for a traditional meal.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250-300 kcal |
| Protein | 18-20g |
| Carbohydrates | 10-12g |
| Fat | 18-22g |
| Fiber | 3-4g |
| Sodium | 300-350mg |
Paneer Bhutuwa is a delightful dish for those looking for a savory and flavorful vegetarian option with a rich blend of spices and textures. The combination of fresh spinach, mushrooms, and fried paneer makes it a delicious and nutritious meal, perfect for a busy weekday lunch or dinner. Enjoy the traditional Nepalese flavors in this easy-to-make curry, and serve it with steamed rice for a complete meal experience.
