Restaurant Style Paneer Masala

This is a delicious yet simple recipe to create Paneer Masala similar to the ones available at Dine out . I have been craving for a good gravy since we can't go out now due to Covid 19 and all the restaurant are closed so created this super easy recipe to enjoy anytime sitting at the comfort of my home.

So here is my recipe for Paneer

Masala, best served with Rice

or Paratha/Naan .

*Medium spicy/ Dry to semi dry gravy

Recipe Serving -4

Cooking time -30min

Prep time -15min

Cuisine - Indian

Difficulty level - Easy/Medium

Diet - Vegetarian

Ingredients

Paneer - 250g

Tomato Paste - 1 medium tomato

Fried brown onion - 1 medium

For the paste

• Onion - 1 medium (roughly chopped)

• Ginger - 1 inch cube

• Cashews - 6-8

• Poppy seeds - 1tspn

• Cloves - 4

• Cinnamon stick- 1cm

• Red whole chilles -3-4 (optional)

Other Spices

• Bayleaf- 1

• Cumin seed -1 tspn

• Cumin powder - 1 tspn

• Turmeric - 1 tspn

• Coriander powder- 1 tspn

• Fennel powder - 1tspn

• Dried Fenugreek leaves - 1 tblspn

• Salt - to taste

• Oil- 4 teaspoon

Step 1 -Paneer Prep

This is important step to get Paneer soft . Soak paneer in hot water for 20 min .This will ensure that Paneer is soft and has melt in the mouth texture.

Cut them into cubes

In a non stick pan add 2 tablespoon of oil and pan fry lightly on both the sides for 5-7 min

Step 2 - Paste

In a pan add 1 cup of water and put in all the spices for the paste (onion/ginger/cinnamon/cashews etc) as mentioned in the ingredient list

Cover and cook in medium flame for 5 min until the water almost evaporates .

Cool and grind to make a smooth paste.

Step 3 - Gravy

1. Heat the remaining oil in the pan, now add bayleaf and cumin seeds until pops .

2. Add the paste and saute for 5 min under medium flame

3. Add fried Onion,cumin powder,coriander powder, turmeric powder,fennel powder and salt

4. Saute for another 5 min and add tomato paste

5. Cook for another 8-10min until oil separates

6. Add 2 cups of water and let it boil and then lower the flame and let the gravy cook for another 5min

7. Add Paneer cubes and cook for another 5 min

8. Add Dried fenugreek leaves and close the flame

9. Serve Hot with Rice or Naan/Bread