Paneer – Ellen’s Fresh Cheese Curry

This hearty Paneer Curry is a delightful fusion of savory spices and sweet notes. The dish combines soft cubes of fresh paneer cheese with a robust sauce made from onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes. Aromatic spices like coriander seeds, turmeric, and garam masala infuse the gravy with depth, while plump currants and roasted almonds or cashews add delightful texture and a hint of sweetness. It's a comforting, vegetarian main course that is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining. The balance of heat from green chilies and the creaminess of yogurt makes it incredibly satisfying. Serve hot with fresh naan bread or crisp papadums for an authentic Indian dining experience.

Cooking Method: Frying, Microwave, Roasting, Stewing

Cuisine: Indian

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Advanced

Servings: 12

Calories: 665.8

Dietary: Vegetarian

Description

This hearty Paneer Curry is a delightful fusion of savory spices and sweet notes. The dish combines soft cubes of fresh paneer cheese with a robust sauce made from onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes. Aromatic spices like coriander seeds, turmeric, and garam masala infuse the gravy with depth, while plump currants and roasted almonds or cashews add delightful texture and a hint of sweetness. It's a comforting, vegetarian main course that is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining. The balance of heat from green chilies and the creaminess of yogurt makes it incredibly satisfying. Serve hot with fresh naan bread or crisp papadums for an authentic Indian dining experience.

Ingredients

Onions, chopped
Garlic; cloves, crushed
Coriander seeds
Ghee
Paneer
Ginger; grated
Bay leaves
Garam masala
Turmeric
Currants or sultanas
Nuts; raw (almonds, cashews)
Yogurt
Chilies; green, chopped
Tomatoes; peeled & sliced
Salt to taste
Garam masala (for garnish)
Coriander leaves; chopped

Directions

1
Roast the raw nuts with 1 tablespoon of ghee in the microwave for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until evenly browned. Set aside.
2
Grind half of the chopped onions, the crushed garlic, and the coriander seeds together to form a smooth paste.
3
Heat the remaining ghee in a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Cut the paneer into 1-inch cubes.
4
Fry the paneer cubes until lightly browned on all sides. Remove from the pan and drain on a plate.
5
In the same pan, add the remaining chopped onions and grated ginger. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent.
6
Add the bay leaves and continue to fry until the onions turn golden brown.
7
Stir in the turmeric, 1 tablespoon of garam masala, and the onion-garlic paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the oil begins to separate from the spices.
8
Add the sliced tomatoes, green chilies, currants, and yogurt. Season with salt to taste.
9
Return the fried paneer and roasted nuts to the pan. Stir gently to combine.
10
Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 5-6 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
11
Add a splash of water if the curry is too thick, and simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the sauce has reduced slightly and thickened.
12
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with the remaining garam masala and chopped coriander leaves.
13
Serve hot with fresh naan or papadums.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 12 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 665.8kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 11.9g19%
Saturated Fat 2.0g10%
Cholesterol 0.5mg1%
Sodium 975.7mg41%
Total Carbohydrate 15.0g5%
Dietary Fiber 3.9g16%
Sugars 12.6g
Protein 23.3g47%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: paneer, curry, indian, vegetarian, cheese, ghee, garam masala, tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, coriander, turmeric, currants, nuts, yogurt, chilies, bay leaves, main course, dinner

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/paneer-ellens-fresh-cheese-curry/