kdolu Paneer Pasanda is a tasty and creamy North Indian dish that many people enjoy at restaurants. But guess what? You can make this amazing dish at home too! In this post, we will show you a simple way to cook Paneer Pasanda. Even if you are not a chef, you can easily follow the steps. This dish is perfect for dinner, parties, or any special day.
We will also answer common questions and give you useful tips. So let’s get started with this rich and flavorful recipe!
What is Paneer Pasanda?
Paneer Pasanda is a rich curry made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese). In Hindi, “Pasanda” means “favorite,” and this dish truly lives up to its name. It has a creamy gravy made with onions, tomatoes, cashew nuts, and spices. The best part is the stuffed paneer slices. These are filled with a soft mixture and then fried before being added to the gravy.
Ingredients You Need to Make Paneer Pasanda
Let’s first talk about what you need to cook this dish at home.
For Stuffed Paneer:
- 250 grams of paneer (cut into thick slices)
- 2 tablespoons grated paneer
- 1 tablespoon chopped nuts (cashews or almonds)
- 1 tablespoon raisins
- 1 teaspoon chopped green chili
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon cornflour (to seal the slices)
For Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional for richness)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 medium tomatoes (pureed)
- 10 cashew nuts (soaked and blended into paste)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup cream or milk
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Water as needed
For more about the use of paneer in Indian dishes, check this article from NDTV Food.
How to Make Paneer Pasanda Step-by-Step
Let’s break the recipe into easy steps so you can follow it without confusion.
Step 1: Prepare the Stuffed Paneer
- Take thick slices of paneer and cut them in half to create a pocket.
- Mix grated paneer, chopped nuts, raisins, chili, and salt in a bowl.
- Stuff this mixture into the paneer pockets carefully.
- Seal the sides using a bit of cornflour and water paste.
Tip: You can use toothpicks to hold the paneer together if needed.
Step 2: Fry the Stuffed Paneer
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a pan.
- Gently place the stuffed paneer slices and fry them on both sides.
- Take them out once golden and keep them aside.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
- Heat oil and butter in a pan.
- Add cumin seeds and bay leaf.
- Add chopped onions and cook until they turn golden.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and stir well.
- Now add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates.
- Add turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, and salt.
- Mix in cashew paste and stir the mixture well.
- Pour some water to make a smooth gravy.
- Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add cream, sugar, and garam masala.
- Stir and let it cook for 2 more minutes.
Step 4: Add the Paneer
- Add the fried stuffed paneer to the gravy.
- Let it cook for 3-5 minutes so the flavors blend.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
And that’s it! Your delicious Paneer Pasanda is ready to serve.
Paneer Pasanda: Related Dishes You Might Like
To enjoy Paneer Pasanda even more, you can pair it with:
- Butter naan
- Jeera rice
- Tandoori roti
- Plain paratha
You can also try these other paneer dishes:
Why is Paneer Pasanda So Popular?
Many people love Paneer Pasanda because:
- It is creamy and flavorful.
- It is rich but still not too heavy.
- It looks fancy, yet it’s easy to make.
- It can be the star of your dinner party.
Health Tips for Eating Paneer Pasanda
Paneer is rich in protein and calcium. But since this dish has cream and nuts, it is also high in fat. Here are some tips to make it healthier:
- Use low-fat paneer.
- Replace cream with milk or yogurt.
- Reduce the use of oil or butter.
Eating Paneer Pasanda once in a while is totally fine. Just enjoy it with balance!
FAQs
What is the difference between Paneer Pasanda and Shahi Paneer?
Paneer Pasanda is stuffed and fried paneer served in rich gravy, while Shahi Paneer uses plain paneer cubes in a creamy tomato-cashew sauce.
Can I make Paneer Pasanda without frying?
Yes, you can bake the stuffed paneer in an oven at 180°C for about 10-12 minutes instead of frying.
Can I use tofu instead of paneer?
Yes, if you are vegan or lactose-intolerant, you can use firm tofu instead of paneer.
How can I store leftover Paneer Pasanda?
Keep it in an airtight box in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave before eating.
Is Paneer Pasanda good for kids?
Yes! It is creamy, mildly spicy, and full of flavor. Just make sure the spices are not too strong.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, Paneer Pasanda is a rich, creamy, and tasty dish that can make any meal special. It may look fancy, but it is easy to cook if you follow the steps. Whether you’re making it for a party or a simple family dinner, this dish will surely impress everyone.
Try this recipe at home, and you’ll fall in love with it. Plus, you can adjust the ingredients to make it healthier or spicier based on what your family likes.
For more Indian recipes and food tips, don’t forget to check out trusted sources like Sanjeev Kapoor’s Recipes and Tarla Dalal.
If you liked this post, share it with your friends and family. Have any questions or a special tip for making Paneer Pasanda? Drop it in the comments below!
