Paneer masala recipe |spicy paneer recipe
| Paneer masala |
Paneer Masala , one of the best recipe of Paneer gravy is mild spicy in taste with no sweet at all like paneer makhani or paneer butter masala.
Learn how to make paneer masala with step by step method and video . The paneer recipe for dinner tonight with your family.
What is paneer masala?
Paneer masala is a dish of paneer curry which is little bit spicy and having aromatic flavour due to the use of different spices.
Paneer masala is light brown in colour and little bit spicy in taste. Amount of onion ratio is more than tomato.
Paneer is a milk product known as cottage cheese made by curdling milk with lemon juice or cooking vinegar.
Once the milk is curdled , collect the cheese or chenna in a muslin cloth. Wash under cold water, remove excess water and then let it set firm in refrigerator. This is how you can easily make paneer at home.
Is paneer healthy ?
Paneer also known as cottage cheese is considered as a very healthy product. It has numerous health benefits and we should regular include it in our diets. Here are some healthy benefits of paneer,
(1) paneer is rich source of protein. 100 g of paneer contains 11 g of protein.
(2) paneer is rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium. Calcium strength the bones and teeth. Whereas magnesium maintain blood sugar levels. And potassium is good for healthy heart.
(3) paneer contains one important vitamins called Folate which helps in fetal development in pregnant women. Folate also helps in red blood cells production.
(4) paneer can help in weight lose as it contains high amount of conjugated linoleic acid which increase the fat burning process in body
For some best recipes using paneer , you can read Paneer Chilli recipe , Paneer honey recipe and Paneer Paratha recipe
Paneer masala is different from paneer butter masala in taste and appearance.
Paneer butter masala is little bit sweet in taste and orange in colour. Where as paneer masala is little bit spicy and light brown in colour.
More amount of butter and cream is used in paneer butter masala wherein less or no amount of butter is used in masala paneer.
You can read the full recipe for Paneer butter masala for more details.
If you are looking for a spicy paneer recipe or curry then paneer masala is best for that.
Preparation time :- 15 minutes
Cooking time :- 8 - 10 minutes
Difficulty :- Easy
Yields :- 2 serving
Ingredients :-
For paneer gravy
(1) 1 big size onion
(2) 1 medium size tomato
(3) 1/2 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
(4) 1/3 teaspoon red chilli powder
(5) 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
(6) 1 bay leaf (Tez patta)
(7) 2 green cardamom ( elaichi)
(8) 1/2 inch cinnamon stick(dalcini)
For paneer masala
(1) 200 gm soft paneer cut into cubes
(2) 1 medium onion chopped
(3) 3-4 minced garlic
(4) small pinch of cumin(jeera)
(5) 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder ( dhaniya powder)
(6) 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
(7) 1/3 teaspoon red chilli powder
(8) 1-2 green chili slits( optional)
(9) 2 teaspoon chopped Cilantro ( dhaniya patta)
(10) 2 teaspoon fresh cream or milk
Step by step methods how to make paneer masala at home :-
Step 01Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a pan and fry the ginger garlic paste till raw smell goes off. Add the cardamom, bay leaf and cinnamon stick and saute for 30 seconds.
| Sauteeing whole spices |
Step 02
Now add the sliced onions and fry till light brown. Then add 1/3 teaspoon red chilli powder and 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder and saute for few seconds.
Step 03
Again add the sliced tomatoes and fry till soft and mashy.
| Frying tomato onion with spices |
Remove and cool down. Discard the whole spices.
Step 04
Now grind the onion tomato mixture into a fine puree or paste adding little water in a grinder or mixer.
Making the paneer masala :-
Step 01Heat 1/2 teaspoon oil in a non stick pan and fry the paneer cubes in all sides till golden. Remove them to use later in the gravy masala.
| Frying paneer cubes |
Step 02
In that same pan, heat 1 teaspoon cooking oil and saute the chopped garlic and cumin seeds. Then fry the chopped onions till light brown.
Step 03
Thereafter add the red chilli powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder and slits green chili and saute for 30 seconds. Pour little water and cook for a while.
| Sauteeing chopped onion with spices and green chili |
Step 04
Now pour the tomato onion puree and cook further 2-3 minutes.
| Pouring onion tomato puree |
Pour the fried paneer cubes and half of the Cilantro leafs into the masala gravy and mix well and cook further for 1 minute.
| Pouring fried paneer cubes |
Step 06
Now pour 2 teaspoon fresh cream or milk and mix well. Add salt as per taste. Sprinkle few chopped cilantro leave and remove and serve paneer masala.
| Pouring fresh cream |
| Paneer masala topped with Cilantro |
If you love the recipe for paneer masala then I am sure you would love the recipe of Paneer tikka masala as well.
Paneer masala recipe video
Serving tips
(1) paneer masala is best to served with Indian flat Breads like tandoori roti, butter naan and Lachcha Paratha.
(2) Homemade chapati and phulka with ghee is considered as the best combination with any paneer curries or paneer sabji.
(3) You can also served steam basmati rice or jeera rice with paneer Masala.
Recipe notes
(1) paneer masala usually a little spicy paneer dish compare to paneer makhani and paneer butter masala. You can increase or decrease the amount of Chilli according to your taste.
(2) I have used the fried paneer in the gravy. You can use paneer without frying.
(3) In place of cream , milk can be used in this paneer masala recipe . Cream balanced the spices and enhanced the taste.
For more popular recipes you can try to make at home to impress your family and friends :-
Bangda (Mackerel fish) fry recipe
Butter Chicken (Murgh makhani) recipe
Tandoori Pomfret recipe
