Creamy Paneer Pasanda - A Delicious Indian Delight!
Paneer Pasanda is a classic North Indian dish that is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavors. The term "pasanda" refers to a dish made with thin slices of meat, but in this vegetarian version, paneer takes center stage. Paneer, a popular Indian cheese, is marinated, shallow fried, and then simmered in a luscious and aromatic gravy.
The dish begins with marinating the paneer slices in a mixture of yogurt and spices, allowing the flavors to penetrate the cheese. This step ensures that each bite of paneer is infused with a delectable blend of spices, making it incredibly flavorful.
The marinated paneer is then lightly fried until it acquires a golden-brown hue, giving it a slightly crispy exterior while maintaining its soft and creamy interior. This frying process adds a delightful texture to the dish, creating a perfect balance between the tender paneer and the robust gravy.
The gravy, prepared with a base of onions, tomatoes, and cashew paste, is what sets Paneer Pasanda apart. The combination of these ingredients creates a velvety smooth texture and imparts a subtle sweetness to the dish. The addition of fresh cream adds a touch of richness, elevating the flavors and lending a creamy consistency to the gravy.
The final result is a plateful of succulent paneer slices immersed in a fragrant, creamy gravy that is both comforting and indulgent. The dish is typically garnished with fresh coriander leaves, which adds a hint of freshness and a vibrant touch of green.
Paneer Pasanda is often served as a main course in Indian restaurants and is enjoyed with Indian breads like roti or naan. It also pairs well with steamed rice, allowing you to savor the flavors of the creamy gravy.
Whether you are a paneer lover or an enthusiast of Indian cuisine, Paneer Pasanda is sure to tantalize your taste buds with its rich flavors, creamy texture, and delightful combination of spices. It is a dish that exemplifies the beauty of Indian cooking and is guaranteed to leave you craving for more.
Recipe of Creamy Paneer Pasanda
Ingredients:
250 grams paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cut into thick slices
*1/2 cup yogurt (curd)
*2 tablespoons besan (gram flour)
*1 teaspoon red chili powder
*1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
*1 teaspoon garam masala
*1 teaspoon cumin powder
*1 teaspoon coriander powder
*Salt to taste
*2 tablespoons oil
*1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
*1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
*1 green chili, slit
*1/2 cup tomato puree
*1/2 cup cashew paste
*1/2 cup fresh cream
*1/2 teaspoon sugar
*Chopped coriander leaves for garnishing
Instructions:
*In a bowl, combine yogurt, besan, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well to make a smooth marinade.
*Dip the paneer slices in the marinade, ensuring they are coated well. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.
*Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Shallow fry the marinated paneer slices until they turn golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
*In the same pan, add ghee and heat it. Add the chopped onions and green chili. Sauté until the onions become translucent.
*Add the tomato puree and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
*Now, add cashew paste and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring continuously.
*Reduce the heat to low and add fresh cream, sugar, and salt to taste. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes until the gravy thickens slightly.
*Gently place the fried paneer slices into the gravy. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
*Once done, transfer the Paneer Pasanda to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
*Serve hot with roti, naan, or steamed rice for a delightful and creamy Indian meal.
*Enjoy the rich and indulgent flavors of this Creamy Paneer Pasanda, perfect for a special occasion or a weekend treat!
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