Amritsari Ajwaini Paneer Recipe: A North Indian Delight
Welcome to a culinary journey that leads you to the heart of North Indian cuisine, where flavors are vibrant, and every dish tells a story. Today, we’re diving into the delectable Amritsari Ajwaini Paneer, a vegetarian masterpiece that beautifully combines the richness of paneer with the aromatic essence of ajwain (carom seeds). This dish, best enjoyed with Onion Thepla and a refreshing Coriander Mint Chutney, is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this sumptuous dish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer | 1 cup |
| Tomato puree | 1 cup |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Garlic (cloves) | 2 |
| Green chili | 1 |
| Ginger (1-inch piece) | 1 |
| Cashews | 5 |
| Cloves | 2 |
| Ajwain (carom seeds) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder | 1 ½ teaspoons |
| Red chili powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Sugar | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh coriander (chopped) | For garnishing |
Nutritional Information
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a quick look at the nutritional profile per serving, which is based on four servings:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 280 |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Servings: 4
Instructions
Now, let’s walk through the process of making Amritsari Ajwaini Paneer. The step-by-step guide will ensure that you capture all the flavors and textures that make this dish special.
-
Prepare the Spice Paste:
Start by placing the finely chopped onion, garlic cloves, ginger, and green chili into a mixer grinder. Blend them until you achieve a smooth paste. Once ready, set this mixture aside. -
Cashew Paste:
In the same mixer grinder, add the cashews along with a little water and blend until you have a creamy paste. Set this aside as well. -
Grind the Spices:
Take a mortar and pestle (or a small spice grinder) and add the ajwain and cloves. Grind them into a fine powder to release their essential oils and aromas. -
Cooking the Base:
In a kadhai (wok), heat the oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the onion paste to the pan and sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the raw smell dissipates and it turns a light golden brown. -
Add Spices:
Now, sprinkle in the turmeric powder, ground ajwain and clove mixture, and garam masala. Cook this spice blend for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and infuse their flavors into the onion base. -
Incorporate the Tomato:
Next, pour in the tomato puree, along with the coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly, cover the kadhai, and let it simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. -
Finish the Sauce:
After the simmering, add the cashew paste and sugar to the mixture. Stir well and let it cook for another minute to ensure the cashew paste is fully incorporated and creamy. -
Add the Paneer:
Finally, gently fold in the paneer cubes. Make sure the paneer is coated with the luscious sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the paneer to absorb the flavors. -
Garnish and Serve:
Once done, turn off the heat and garnish your Amritsari Ajwaini Paneer with freshly chopped coriander. Serve hot alongside Onion Thepla and a refreshing Coriander Mint Chutney for a truly delightful experience.
Conclusion
Indulging in Amritsari Ajwaini Paneer is not just about the flavors; it’s about the experience of creating a dish that brings together friends and family around the table. With its creamy texture, aromatic spices, and the satisfying bite of paneer, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home. Enjoy this North Indian delicacy and let its flavors transport you to the bustling streets of Amritsar. Happy cooking!
