Paneer Bhurji Gravy Recipe
A Delightful North Indian Dish, Perfect for Special Occasions or Quick Meals!
Paneer Bhurji Gravy is a flavorful and comforting dish from North India that blends the richness of crumbled paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with aromatic spices and a luscious tomato gravy. It’s a versatile recipe that can be served during house parties or when you have unexpected guests for lunch or dinner. With its blend of spices, this dish tastes exceptional when paired with Tandoori Roti or soft Phulkas, making it a crowd favorite. The dish is not only high in protein but also bursting with flavors, creating a satisfying experience in every bite.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Oil | As required |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Bay leaves (Tej Patta) | 1 |
| Star anise | 1 |
| Dry Red Chilli | 2 |
| Cloves (Laung) | 1 |
| Black cardamom (Badi Elaichi) | 1 |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 2 |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Ginger, paste | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Garlic, paste | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Homemade tomato puree | 1/4 cup |
| Tomato, chopped | 1 |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese), crumbled | 1 cup |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | A few, chopped |
| Red Chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | As required |
| Water | As required |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 3-4
Instructions
-
Sauté the Spices
Begin by heating oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Once hot, add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, bay leaf, dry red chilies, black cardamom, green cardamom, star anise, and a pinch of asafoetida (hing). Let the spices splutter and release a tantalizing aroma. -
Cook the Onions
Add the finely chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they turn soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step helps to build the foundation of flavor in the dish. -
Add Ginger-Garlic Paste
Stir in the ginger and garlic paste and cook it for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the paste to cook through and the raw smell to dissipate. -
Prepare the Tomato Base
Next, add the chopped tomatoes and homemade tomato puree. Stir well, cover the pan, and allow it to cook for about 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and begin to blend into the gravy. -
Spice It Up
Once the tomatoes have cooked, add the red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, and salt to the mix. Stir to combine and let the mixture cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse the gravy. -
Incorporate Paneer
Add the crumbled paneer to the pan, followed by the desired amount of water. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring that the paneer is well-coated with the gravy. Let the curry simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to come together. -
Final Touch
Once the gravy reaches the desired consistency, turn off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness. -
Serving
Serve the Paneer Bhurji Gravy hot with Tandoori Roti, Phulkas, or even steamed rice. For a complete meal, pair it with some Bharwa Karela (Stuffed Bitter Gourd) and Pudina Tawa Paratha for a delightful lunch or dinner.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Sugar | 5g |
Paneer Bhurji Gravy is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of vegetarian dishes, combining the goodness of paneer with a burst of spices and flavors. This dish is not only high in protein but also delivers a satisfying, aromatic experience that will leave everyone at the table asking for more. Perfect for both casual meals and special gatherings, it is sure to become a family favorite!
