Kashmiri cuisine is known for its aromatic spices and rich flavors, often showcasing ingredients like saffron, dried fruits, and yogurt. One of the most beloved vegetarian dishes from this region is Kashmiri Paneer. With its creamy, flavorful gravy, this dish brings a unique twist to the traditional paneer curries. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or craving something special for a weekend meal, this Kashmiri Paneer recipe will surely enhance the taste of your food.
Here’s how you can make Kashmiri Paneer at home:
Ingredients:
For the paneer:
- 250 grams of paneer (cottage cheese), cut into cubes
- 1 tbsp ghee or oil for frying
For the gravy:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
- 2-3 green cardamom pods
- 1-2 cloves
- 1-inch piece of cinnamon
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder (for color and mild heat)
- 1 tsp ground coriander powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin powder
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp fennel powder (a key ingredient in Kashmiri cuisine)
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp cashew paste (optional, for richness)
- ½ cup yogurt (whisked)
- 1 tbsp fresh cream (optional, for added richness)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Method:
Step 1: Prepare the Paneer
- Fry the Paneer: In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee or oil on medium heat. Add the paneer cubes and lightly fry them until they are golden brown on all sides. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the paneer. Once done, set the fried paneer aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Gravy
- Cook the Whole Spices: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Once the oil is hot, add the whole spices—cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and bay leaf. Let them release their aroma for about 30 seconds.
- Saute Onions and Ginger-Garlic Paste: Add the finely chopped onions and sauté them until they turn golden brown. Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Add Tomato Puree and Spices: Stir in the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil starts to separate from the masala. Add the Kashmiri red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, and fennel powder. Cook this mixture until it thickens and the oil begins to separate again.
- Add Cashew Paste and Yogurt: To make the gravy smooth and creamy, add the cashew paste (if using) and whisked yogurt. Stir well to combine everything and cook for 3-4 minutes on low heat.
Step 3: Final Cooking
- Combine Paneer with Gravy: Now, gently add the fried paneer cubes to the gravy. Stir carefully to coat the paneer with the flavorful sauce. Let it simmer on low heat for about 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add Fresh Cream and Garam Masala: To give the dish a richer texture, stir in a tablespoon of fresh cream (optional). Add garam masala and salt to taste, and mix everything well.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh coriander leaves over the dish for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve: Kashmiri Paneer is best enjoyed with steamed rice, naan, or paratha.
Tips for Perfect Kashmiri Paneer:
- Frying the paneer: Frying the paneer cubes adds a delightful texture, but if you’re looking for a lighter version, you can skip this step and directly add the raw paneer to the gravy.
- Adjust the spices: Kashmiri cuisine is known for its aromatic and mildly spiced dishes. However, you can always adjust the level of heat and spices according to your preference.
- Fennel powder: This is a signature ingredient in many Kashmiri dishes, adding a distinct, slightly sweet flavor to the curry. It can be found in most Indian grocery stores.
Why Try Kashmiri Paneer?
Kashmiri Paneer is not just a curry; it’s an experience. The combination of aromatic spices, the richness of yogurt and cream, and the texture of paneer makes this dish irresistible. Whether you’re a fan of Kashmiri cuisine or someone new to it, this dish will elevate your meal to a whole new level.
With this recipe, you can easily recreate a restaurant-style Kashmiri Paneer in the comfort of your home. Happy cooking!
