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Paneer Masala Recipe

Punjabi Paneer Masala – A Classic Vegetarian Indian Dish


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4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Author: Anamika Sharma
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Punjabi Paneer Masala is a traditional North Indian curry with rich spices, sautéed onions, fresh tomatoes, and crispy pan-fried paneer cheese. It’s aromatic, comforting, and perfect served with chapatis, parathas, or rice.


Ingredients

Units Scale

8.8 oz (250 g) paneer (Indian cheese), cut into cubes

2 medium tomatoes, chopped

1 large red onion, sliced

1 mild red chili, sliced

1 large spring onion, thinly sliced

1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

1 tablespoon fresh coriander, finely chopped

¼ teaspoon turmeric powder

¼ teaspoon red chili powder

¼ teaspoon garam masala

½ teaspoon coriander powder

Salt to taste

1 tablespoon cooking oil


Instructions

Step 1: Pan Fry the Paneer

  • Heat ½ tablespoon oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
  • Gently add paneer cubes and pan-fry until lightly golden on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and drain on a paper towel.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

  • In the same pan, heat remaining ½ tablespoon oil.
  • Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook Onions

  • Add onions, and chili and sauté on medium-low heat until translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Spices

  • Stir in chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and release their juices, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  • Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, and salt. Stir well to combine.

Step 5: Combine Paneer with Masala

  • Add the pan-fried paneer cubes to the tomato-onion mixture.
  • Gently stir to coat paneer evenly with the masala. Simmer on low heat for about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

  • Sprinkle with freshly chopped coriander and thinly sliced spring onions.
  • Remove from heat, cover with a lid, and let rest for 5 minutes.

Notes

  • Serve hot with fresh chapatis, parathas, steamed rice, or naan.
  • Paneer Texture: Pan-frying paneer gives it a firm texture and enhances flavor.
  • Spice Levels: Adjust red chili powder to your spice tolerance.
  • Ginger-Garlic Paste: Homemade fresh ginger-garlic paste provides better flavor than store-bought versions.
  • Resting Time: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes helps flavors come together.
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Punjabi Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg