Paneer Peshawari Recipe – Cottage Cheese in Rich Gravy
Description
Paneer Peshawari is a luxurious and flavorful North Indian dish, often found on the menus of fine restaurants. This recipe features soft cubes of homemade paneer cooked in a rich and creamy gravy made with onions, tomatoes, cashews, and fresh cream. The dish is infused with the aromatic spices of the Indian kitchen, including cumin, garam masala, Kashmiri red chili powder, and coriander powder, and is finished off with a touch of crushed kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) that imparts a unique flavor. It’s a simple yet indulgent dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Cuisine
Punjabi
Course
Lunch
Diet
Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese), cut into cubes | 1-1/2 cups |
| Onions, finely chopped | 2 onions |
| Homemade tomato puree | 1 cup |
| Cashew nuts, soaked in 1/4 cup warm water | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh cream | 2 tablespoons |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Bay leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 leaf |
| Ginger garlic paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Kashmiri red chili powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 2 teaspoons |
| Kasuri methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 1 tablespoon |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Butter (Salted) | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time
| Time |
|---|
| 10 minutes |
Cook Time
| Time |
|---|
| 30 minutes |
Instructions
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Start by soaking the cashew nuts in hot water for about 10 minutes. After soaking, drain the water and grind the cashews into a smooth paste using a mixer grinder. Keep the paste aside. |
| Step 2 | Heat butter in a wide pan over medium flame. Once melted, add cumin seeds and bay leaf, allowing them to sizzle. |
| Step 3 | Add ginger garlic paste and chopped onions to the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onions turn translucent and soft. |
| Step 4 | Add the homemade tomato puree to the pan and cook until the tomatoes soften. Then, mix in cumin powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, and coriander powder. Stir the spices well to remove the raw smell of ginger, garlic, and onions. |
| Step 5 | Add the cashew paste to the pan along with the tomato puree. Continue to cook the mixture on medium heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken and the tomato and cashew flavors to meld together. |
| Step 6 | Adjust the consistency of the gravy by adding 1/4 cup of water, as the cashew paste may cause the gravy to thicken. Stir the gravy well. |
| Step 7 | Add the paneer cubes and kasuri methi to the gravy. Drizzle in honey and simmer the mixture for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse. |
| Step 8 | Taste the gravy and adjust the salt and spices according to your preference. Once satisfied, stir in the fresh cream to make the gravy rich and creamy. |
| Step 9 | Serve the Paneer Peshawari hot with your favorite accompaniments, such as Kashmiri Pulao, Butter Garlic Naan, Boondi Raita, and Kala Chana Salad, for a complete and satisfying meal. |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 11g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Sodium | 310 mg |
Notes:
- The richness of this dish is enhanced with the addition of cashews and cream, making it a delightful vegetarian option to serve at dinner parties or special gatherings.
- You can make this dish spicier by adjusting the amount of Kashmiri red chili powder or adding more garam masala.
- If you prefer a vegan version, you can substitute the cream with coconut cream and use vegan butter and paneer.
- For a more authentic flavor, make your own paneer at home using full-fat milk, which ensures a creamier texture.
This Paneer Peshawari recipe offers a luxurious taste with a blend of creamy textures and aromatic spices, making it an ideal addition to your Punjabi recipe repertoire. Enjoy this flavorful delight with freshly baked naan or basmati rice for a comforting and delicious meal.
