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Dhaba Style Paneer Curry

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Rajani (@thegourmetschoice)
IndianLunchDinnerMain CourseVegetarian

Paneer Curry or Quick Paneer Sabzi is a simple yet delicious dish made with soft paneer cubes simmered in a tangy and spicy onion-tomato gravy. This versatile curry pairs wonderfully with a variety of Indian flatbreads like roti, chapati, and naan. It also complements flavored rice dishes such as jeera...

Dhaba Style Paneer Curry recipe
Prep Time
15min
Cook Time
20min
Total Time
35min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 bowl)

For Paneer Marination

  • cube paneer
    cube paneer
    20
  • turmeric
    turmeric
    1/4tsp
  • chilli powder
    chilli powder
    1/2tsp
  • ginger garlic paste
    ginger garlic paste
    1/2tsp
  • salt
    salt
    1/4tsp
  • oil
    oil
    3tsp

For Dhaba style Paneer Curry

  • ghee
    ghee
    1tbsp
  • oil
    oil
    2tbsp
  • cumin
    cumin
    1tsp
  • bay leaf
    bay leaf
    1piece
  • black cardamom pod
    black cardamom pod
    1piece
  • cinnamon
    cinnamon
    1in
  • cardamom pod
    cardamom pod
    2piece
  • cloves
    cloves
    4clove
  • onion, finely chopped
    onion, finely chopped
    1piece
  • ginger garlic paste
    ginger garlic paste
    1tsp
  • turmeric
    turmeric
    1/4tsp
  • chilli powder
    chilli powder
    1tsp
  • coriander powder
    coriander powder
    1tsp
  • cumin powder
    cumin powder
    1/2tsp
  • garam masala
    garam masala
    1/2tsp
  • salt
    salt
    1tsp
  • large tomatoes puree
    large tomatoes puree
    2
  • curd
    curd
    1/2cup
  • water
    water
    1cup
  • kasuri methi, crushed
    kasuri methi, crushed
    1tsp
  • Green chilli(slit)
    Green chilli(slit)
    1
  • a of sugar
    a of sugar
    pinch
  • coriander, finely chopped
    coriander, finely chopped
    2tbsp

How to make Dhaba Style Paneer Curry

Paneer Marination

  1. Step 1

    In a large bowl, take paneer cubes, turmeric, chilli powder, ginger garlic paste, and salt.

    Step 1.1: In a large bowl, take paneer cubes, turmeric, chilli powder, ginger garlic paste, and salt
    Step 1.2: In a large bowl, take paneer cubes, turmeric, chilli powder, ginger garlic paste, and salt
    Step 1.3: In a large bowl, take paneer cubes, turmeric, chilli powder, ginger garlic paste, and salt
    Step 1.4: In a large bowl, take paneer cubes, turmeric, chilli powder, ginger garlic paste, and salt
    Step 1.5: In a large bowl, take paneer cubes, turmeric, chilli powder, ginger garlic paste, and salt
    Step 1.6: In a large bowl, take paneer cubes, turmeric, chilli powder, ginger garlic paste, and salt
    Step 1.7: In a large bowl, take paneer cubes, turmeric, chilli powder, ginger garlic paste, and salt
    Step 1.8: In a large bowl, take paneer cubes, turmeric, chilli powder, ginger garlic paste, and salt
    Step 1.9: In a large bowl, take paneer cubes, turmeric, chilli powder, ginger garlic paste, and salt
  2. Step 2

    Mix well, combining all the spices.

    Step 1.1: Mix well, combining all the spices
  3. Step 3

    Cover and rest for 10 minutes or more for marination.

    Step 1.1: Cover and rest for 10 minutes or more for marination
  4. Step 4

    Heat oil and sauté marinated paneer. Do not overcook the paneer as it turns rubbery. Keep aside.

    Step 1.1: Heat oil and sauté marinated paneer
    Step 1.2: Heat oil and sauté marinated paneer
    Step 1.3: Heat oil and sauté marinated paneer
    Step 1.4: Heat oil and sauté marinated paneer
    Step 1.5: Heat oil and sauté marinated paneer
    Step 1.6: Heat oil and sauté marinated paneer

Curry Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a large kadai, heat ghee and oil.

    Step 2.1: In a large kadai, heat ghee and oil
    Step 2.2: In a large kadai, heat ghee and oil
    Step 2.3: In a large kadai, heat ghee and oil
    Step 2.4: In a large kadai, heat ghee and oil
  2. Step 2

    Add cumin, bay leaf, black cardamom pod, cinnamon, cardamom pods, and cloves.

    Step 2.1: Add cumin, bay leaf, black cardamom pod, cinnamon, cardamom pods, and cloves
    Step 2.2: Add cumin, bay leaf, black cardamom pod, cinnamon, cardamom pods, and cloves
    Step 2.3: Add cumin, bay leaf, black cardamom pod, cinnamon, cardamom pods, and cloves
    Step 2.4: Add cumin, bay leaf, black cardamom pod, cinnamon, cardamom pods, and cloves
  3. Step 3

    Sauté on low flame until the spices turn aromatic.

    Step 2.1: Sauté on low flame until the spices turn aromatic
  4. Step 4

    Add onion and ginger garlic paste. Sauté until the onions change color.

    Step 2.1: Add onion and ginger garlic paste
    Step 2.2: Add onion and ginger garlic paste
    Step 2.3: Add onion and ginger garlic paste
    Step 2.4: Add onion and ginger garlic paste
    Step 2.5: Add onion and ginger garlic paste
    Step 2.6: Add onion and ginger garlic paste
  5. Step 5

    Add tomato puree and mix well. Cover and cook for 10 minutes or until the oil separates.

    Step 2.1: Add tomato puree and mix well
    Step 2.2: Add tomato puree and mix well
    Step 2.3: Add tomato puree and mix well
    Step 2.4: Add tomato puree and mix well
    Step 2.5: Add tomato puree and mix well
    Step 2.6: Add tomato puree and mix well
    Step 2.7: Add tomato puree and mix well
  6. Step 6
    • Furthermore keeping the flame on low, add ¼ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp chilli powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, ½ tsp cumin powder, ½ tsp garam masala and 1 tsp salt.
    Step 2.1: * Furthermore keeping the flame on low, add ¼ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp chilli powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, ½ tsp cumin powder, ½ tsp garam masala and 1 tsp salt
    Step 2.2: * Furthermore keeping the flame on low, add ¼ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp chilli powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, ½ tsp cumin powder, ½ tsp garam masala and 1 tsp salt
    Step 2.3: * Furthermore keeping the flame on low, add ¼ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp chilli powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, ½ tsp cumin powder, ½ tsp garam masala and 1 tsp salt
    Step 2.4: * Furthermore keeping the flame on low, add ¼ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp chilli powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, ½ tsp cumin powder, ½ tsp garam masala and 1 tsp salt
    Step 2.5: * Furthermore keeping the flame on low, add ¼ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp chilli powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, ½ tsp cumin powder, ½ tsp garam masala and 1 tsp salt
    Step 2.6: * Furthermore keeping the flame on low, add ¼ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp chilli powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, ½ tsp cumin powder, ½ tsp garam masala and 1 tsp salt
    Step 2.7: * Furthermore keeping the flame on low, add ¼ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp chilli powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, ½ tsp cumin powder, ½ tsp garam masala and 1 tsp salt
    Step 2.8: * Furthermore keeping the flame on low, add ¼ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp chilli powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, ½ tsp cumin powder, ½ tsp garam masala and 1 tsp salt
    Step 2.9: * Furthermore keeping the flame on low, add ¼ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp chilli powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, ½ tsp cumin powder, ½ tsp garam masala and 1 tsp salt
  7. Step 7

    Keeping the flame on low, add curd and stir continuously. Keep cooking until the curd is well combined. there is no curd visible now. Right consistency

    Step 2.1: Keeping the flame on low, add curd and stir continuously
    Step 2.2: Keeping the flame on low, add curd and stir continuously
    Step 2.3: Keeping the flame on low, add curd and stir continuously
    Step 2.4: Keeping the flame on low, add curd and stir continuously
  8. Step 8

    Add water and mix well, adjusting the consistency as required.

    Step 2.1: Add water and mix well, adjusting the consistency as required
    Step 2.2: Add water and mix well, adjusting the consistency as required
  9. Step 9

    Add cooked paneer and mix well. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes or until the flavors are well absorbed.

    Step 2.1: Add cooked paneer and mix well
    Step 2.2: Add cooked paneer and mix well
    Step 2.3: Add cooked paneer and mix well
    Step 2.4: Add cooked paneer and mix well
    Step 2.5: Add cooked paneer and mix well
    Step 2.6: Add cooked paneer and mix well
  10. Step 10

    Add slit Green Chilli, kasuri methi, and coriander. Mix well.

    Step 2.1: Add slit Green Chilli, kasuri methi, and coriander
    Step 2.2: Add slit Green Chilli, kasuri methi, and coriander
    Step 2.3: Add slit Green Chilli, kasuri methi, and coriander
    Step 2.4: Add slit Green Chilli, kasuri methi, and coriander
    Step 2.5: Add slit Green Chilli, kasuri methi, and coriander
    Step 2.6: Add slit Green Chilli, kasuri methi, and coriander
  11. Step 11

    add a pinch of Sugar to balance the tanginess. Its completely optional

    Step 2.1: add a pinch of Sugar to balance the tanginess
  12. Step 12

    Enjoy paneer ki sabji with roti or rice.

    Step 2.1: Enjoy paneer ki sabji with roti or rice

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

117.5kcal (5.88%)

Protein

2.0g (4%)

Carbs

9.0g (3.27%)

Sugars

2.0g (4%)

Healthy Fat

5.3g

Unhealthy Fat

3.8g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. It is best to use fresh and moist paneer for all curries. It helps to absorb the curry flavor and improves the taste.

  2. Mild to sour curd works well in this curry.

FAQS

  1. How do I make Dhaba Style Paneer Curry step by step?

    To make Dhaba Style Paneer Curry, start by marinating paneer cubes with turmeric, chili powder, ginger garlic paste, and salt for at least 10 minutes. Sauté the marinated paneer in oil until lightly golden, then set aside. In a kadai, heat ghee and oil, add whole spices like cumin, bay leaf, and cardamom, and sauté until aromatic. Next, add chopped onions and ginger garlic paste, cooking until the onions change color. Stir in tomato puree and let it cook until the oil separates. Add the remaining spices, curd, and water, then mix in the sautéed paneer. Simmer for 5 minutes, add kasuri methi and coriander, and serve hot with roti or rice.

  2. Is Dhaba Style Paneer Curry suitable for vegetarians?

    Yes, Dhaba Style Paneer Curry is a vegetarian dish made primarily with paneer, which is a type of cheese. It is perfect for vegetarians looking for a hearty and flavorful meal. Additionally, it can be enjoyed with various Indian breads or rice dishes.

  3. What can I substitute for paneer in this curry recipe?

    If you're looking for a substitute for paneer in Dhaba Style Paneer Curry, you can use tofu for a vegan option or ricotta cheese for a similar texture. Both alternatives will absorb the flavors of the curry well, but keep in mind that the taste will vary slightly.

  4. How should I store leftover Dhaba Style Paneer Curry?

    To store leftover Dhaba Style Paneer Curry, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to maintain the curry's consistency and heat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.

  5. What dishes pair well with Dhaba Style Paneer Curry?

    Dhaba Style Paneer Curry pairs wonderfully with various Indian flatbreads such as roti, chapati, or naan. It also complements flavored rice dishes like jeera rice, pulao, or even fried rice, making it a versatile choice for any meal.

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thegourmetschoice's profile picture

Rajani

(@thegourmetschoice)

Hi I like cooking and serving others. I have 15 Years of experience in cooking. When ever I get free time I will prepare delicious...

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