Paneer curry is one of those comforting dishes that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or making a cozy weeknight meal, this dish never fails to impress. With soft, juicy pieces of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) simmered in a rich and flavorful gravy, it’s a true crowd-pleaser. In this recipe, I’ll show you how to make a simple and delicious paneer curry that will leave you craving for more!
Here’s everything you need to make this scrumptious paneer curry:
200 grams paneer (cubed)
2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or ghee)
1 large onion (finely chopped)
2 tomatoes (pureed)
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 green chili (optional, chopped)
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
Salt to taste
1/2 cup water (or as needed)
1/4 cup fresh cream (optional for extra richness)
Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Prepare the paneer: If you’re using store-bought paneer, cut it into bite-sized cubes. If you prefer, you can lightly fry the paneer cubes in a little oil until golden, but this step is optional.
Sauté the spices: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté them until golden brown.
Add ginger-garlic paste: Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and chopped green chili (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
Cook the tomatoes: Add the pureed tomatoes to the pan, followed by turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Stir well and let the mixture cook for 5-7 minutes until the oil begins to separate from the masala.
Simmer the curry: Add water to the mixture and stir well to form a smooth gravy. Let the curry cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.
Add paneer: Gently add the paneer cubes to the gravy and cook for another 5-7 minutes so the paneer can absorb the flavors of the curry.
Finish the curry: If you want a creamier curry, stir in the fresh cream and cook for 2 more minutes. Adjust salt to taste.
Garnish and serve: Garnish your paneer curry with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot with your favorite bread or rice.
Paneer quality: Use fresh paneer for the best texture. If you’re using frozen paneer, soak it in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften it before cooking.
Adjust spiciness: You can adjust the level of heat in this dish by increasing or decreasing the amount of green chili or red chili powder you use.
Gravy consistency: If the gravy is too thick, add a little more water or cream to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a bit longer to thicken up.
For extra flavor: You can add a pinch of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) towards the end of cooking for a fragrant, slightly bitter flavor that balances the richness of the curry.