Paneer Stuffed Mushroom Masala Recipe
A delightful fusion of flavors, the Paneer Stuffed Mushroom Masala is a rich and savory dish, perfect for those looking to experience the delicious depths of North Indian cuisine. In this recipe, fresh button mushrooms are stuffed with a fragrant paneer mixture and then bathed in a robust, aromatic tomato gravy. Served with your choice of naan or rice, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Button mushrooms (washed and cleaned) | 400 grams |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 100 grams (crumbled) |
| Black pepper powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Onions (finely chopped) | 1/3 cup |
| Mint leaves (Pudina, finely chopped) | 2 sprigs |
| Whole black peppercorns | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry red chillies | 4 |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Cardamom pods (Elaichi) | 1 |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 |
| Cinnamon stick | 1-inch piece |
| Star anise | 1 |
| Sunflower oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Homemade tomato puree | 1 cup |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 6 cloves |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 1-inch piece |
| Water | As required |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Coriander leaves (Dhania, finely chopped) | For garnish |
Preparation Time:
- 20 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 25 minutes
Total Time:
- 45 minutes
Servings:
- 5 servings
Cuisine:
- North Indian
Course:
- Main Course
Diet:
- Vegetarian
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Paneer Filling
To make the filling for the stuffed mushrooms, start by crumbling the paneer into a mixing bowl. Add salt, black pepper powder, cumin powder, garam masala powder, finely chopped onions, and chopped mint leaves. Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined. Set the mixture aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Mushrooms
Gently remove the stems of the button mushrooms, ensuring that the semicircular caps remain intact. In a separate bowl, toss the mushroom caps with salt and oil to coat them evenly. Carefully stuff each mushroom cap with the prepared paneer filling, shaping it into small balls and pressing gently to smooth the surface.
Step 3: Cook the Stuffed Mushrooms
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a few drops of sunflower oil. Once hot, place the stuffed mushrooms in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 5-7 minutes on medium flame until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is heated through. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Gravy
For the flavorful tomato gravy, heat a skillet over medium flame and add the following whole spices: black peppercorns, dry red chillies, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon stick, and star anise. Dry roast them for 4-5 minutes until aromatic. Once roasted, turn off the heat and allow the spices to cool. Transfer the cooled spices into a mixer jar and grind them into a coarse powder. Set aside.
Step 5: Cook the Gravy Base
In a kadai (or large pan), heat sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and ginger, sautéing for about a minute until aromatic. Add the tomato puree and bring it to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the flame and stir in the freshly ground spice powder, turmeric powder, salt, and milk. Mix well and add water to adjust the consistency of the gravy to your liking.
Step 6: Add the Stuffed Mushrooms
Once the gravy is simmering, gently add the paneer stuffed mushrooms into the tomato gravy. Let the mushrooms cook in the sauce for a few minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors. Taste the gravy and adjust the salt and spices according to your preference.
Step 7: Serve
Turn off the heat and transfer the Paneer Stuffed Mushroom Masala to a serving bowl. Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions:
- Cheese Garlic Naan: Soft, buttery naan with a hint of garlic and melted cheese.
- Pudina Pyaz Kachumber Salad: A refreshing mint and onion salad that complements the rich flavors of the masala.
- Boondi Raita: A cool and spiced yogurt side dish with crispy boondi and black salt.
- Paan Matka Kulfi: A sweet and creamy Indian ice cream for a perfect ending to your meal.
Tips:
- You can also add a bit of grated cheese to the paneer filling for a richer flavor.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of whole spices used in the gravy.
- To make the dish spicier, increase the number of dry red chillies or add a dash of chili powder to the gravy.
Enjoy this delightful Paneer Stuffed Mushroom Masala with your favorite bread or rice for a truly comforting North Indian meal!
