Homemade Lahori Paneer Recipe
Course : Main
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 4-5 pax
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time : 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients for Paneer Marination:
600 gms fresh paneer/ cottage cheese
1 tsp salt
1/2 tbsp kashmiri red chilli powder
Ingredients for Gravy:
2 nos big finely chopped onions
4 nos medium tomato puree
1/4 cup fresh curds/ yogurt
2 nos black cardamon
3 nos cloves
1 tbsp chopped garlic
1/2 tbsp chopped ginger
2 nos green chilies slit in the center
1/2 tbsp chilli powder
1/2 tbsp coriander powder
1/2 tbsp kasuri methi / dried fenugreek leaves
some chopped coriander leaves
salt as per taste
For Ground Masala:
2 nos black cardamon
1/2 tbsp whole black pepper
8 nos cloves
1/2 tbsp whole coriander seeds
1/2 tbsp jeera / cumin seeds
Method:
Cut the paneer into 1/4 inch thickness long pieces. Sprinkle some salt and chilli powder all over them and keep aside for 5 minutes .
In a non stick pan heat some oil to shallow fry the marinated paneer. Place the paneer pieces one by one in the pan and fry them on both sides till golden brown in colour.
In a grinder jar grind all the whole spices coarsely with a little salt . Keep aside.
Cut the tomatoes in big pieces and in a grinder jar grind to a fine paste. Sieve and keep aside to use for the gravy.
Take a kadai or heavy based vessel and heat 4-5 tbsp oil. Add the black cardamon, cloves and then saute the garlic and ginger. To it add the chopped onions and cook till translucent. In it add the chill and coriander powders then the curds and cook on medium flame stirring continuously till oil is seen on the top. Add the tomato puree and again cook on medium flame stirring at intervals till oil is seen on the sides. Add 1 tbsp of the ground masala along with half cup water. Cover and cook for 3-4 minutes on low flame. Lastly add the kasuri methi, slit green chillies and fried paneer pieces. Cook for another 2-3 minutes or till the gravy thickens, if the gravy is too thick add a little hot water.
Remove in a serving dish and garnish with some chopped coriander leaves.
Enjoy this yummy paneer with paratha, roti or naan.
