Paneer Masala Recipe

Paneer Masala Recipe is a delectable vegetarian dish that mixes paneer’s deliciousness with a handmade Bhaja Masala spice combination. This delectable dish has a creamy texture, and a beautiful blend of spices, and is a great option for both lunch and dinner. Discover the exact steps for making this delicious dish!

Paneer Masala Ingredients:

For Bhaja Masala:

• 1 Bay Leaf
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 2 green cardamom pods
• 2 black cardamom pods
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves

For the Curry:

• 500g paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 medium-sized tomato, finely chopped
• 1 green chilli, cut lengthwise
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste
• 50g chopped capsicum
• 1/2 cup water
• 10 cashew nuts
• 1 teaspoon melon seeds
• 1 tablespoon bhaja masala (from above)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• 3 tablespoons cooking oil
• Grated cheese for garnish

How To Make Paneer Masala Recipe :

1. Preparing Bhaja Masala:

• In a dry pan, add the bay leaf, coriander seeds, green cardamom pods, black cardamom pods, cumin seeds, black pepper, and cloves.
• Dry roast the spices on low heat until they release their aroma and turn slightly brown.
• Allow the roasted spices to cool, then grind them into a fine powder. This is your homemade Bhaja Masala.

Making the Paneer Masala :

• Heat 3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
• Stir in grated ginger and sauté for a minute until it releases its aroma.
• Add the finely chopped tomato and green chilli. Cook until the tomato becomes soft and mushy.

Add coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, red chilli powder (adjust to taste), 2 tsp of water, and salt to taste. Fry the masala until the oil separates from it.

Adding Vegetables and Cashew-Melon Paste:

• Lower the heat and add capsicum. Cook for 1 minute over medium heat.
• Pour in 1/2 cup of water and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes.
• In a blender, make a smooth paste by combining cashew nuts and melon seeds.

Add the cashew-melon paste to the pan, followed by 1 tablespoon of Bhaja Masala and sugar. Mix well.

Paneer and Final Touch:

• Cut paneer into cubes and gently add them to the pan.
• Let the paneer simmer in the flavorful gravy for a few minutes until it absorbs the flavours.
• Garnish your Paneer Masala with chopped parsley and some grated cheese.

Serving suggestions:

Serve your Paneer Masala hot with Chapati, Naan or Basmati rice. Serve it with some refreshing cucumber raita and tangy mango chutney for the full Indian supper experience.
Don’t forget to serve the dish with a side of crisp, fresh salad dressed with lemon juice and chaat masala for a light contrast to the dish’s robust flavours.

FAQ On The Paneer Masala Recipe:

Q: What exactly is Paneer Masala?

A: Paneer Masala is a well-known vegetarian meal from India that is made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and a handmade spice mixture called Bhaja Masala.

Q: What is Bhaja Masala, and can I substitute it with garam masala?

A: Bhaja Masala is a homemade spice blend used in this recipe. While garam masala can be a substitute, Bhaja Masala imparts a unique flavour. You can make it using the recipe provided for an authentic taste.

Top Tips:

• For optimal results, start with fresh paneer. Choose high-quality store-bought paneer or, if possible, create your own paneer at home.
• Before adding paneer to the dish, you can saute or sauté the paneer cubes in a little oil. They don’t go too soft in the gravy because of this procedure, which also gives them a beautiful texture.
• Use the following recipe to make your own Bhaja Masala. The dish gains a special, handcrafted touch as a result.
• You can control the amount of red chilli powder to make the dish as spicy as you like. Taste the curry as you go and adjust the spices as necessary.

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