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
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