Cody Casey
Paneer is a type of fresh, crumbly Indian cheese that can be added to curries. It is often compared to halloumi or cottage cheese in terms of texture and taste. Paneer is a versatile ingredient that can be grilled, fried, or added directly to curries in its raw form. It is a popular choice for vegetarian curries, such as Matar Paneer and Kadai Paneer, and can be served with rice, roti, paratha, or naan. When adding paneer to a curry, it is important to ensure that the curry is not too thick, as the extra moisture helps keep the paneer soft.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Vegetarian |
| Main Ingredient | Paneer |
| Other Ingredients | Garam masala, onion, garlic, ginger, chilli, cumin, curry powder, cinnamon, cardamom, coriander, cream, butter, oil, chicken/vegetable stock, spinach, peas, chickpeas, paprika, ripe tomatoes, cashews, almonds, chicken/vegetable stock, salt, pepper, sugar |
| Style | Dhaba, Butter Masala, Saag, Tikka Masala |
| Spiciness | Mild, can be spiced up with chillies |
| Accompaniments | Rice, Jeera rice, Roti, Paratha, Naan, Quinoa, Mango chutney, Avocado salsa |
| Preparation Time | 30 minutes |
| Freezer-Friendly | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
How to cook paneer before adding to curry
Paneer is a type of fresh, soft Indian cheese that can be added to curries. It is made by curdling milk with food acid such as lemon juice, vinegar, or yogurt. Paneer is a good source of protein and is used in a variety of Indian dishes, including curries.
When cooking paneer before adding it to a curry, there are several methods that can be used. One common method is to fry the paneer in ghee or butter before adding it to the curry. Frying the paneer helps to bring out the flavours of the spices and gives the cheese a crispy texture. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook paneer before adding it to a curry:
- Cut the paneer into cubes or desired shapes/sizes.
- Heat a non-stick pan on medium heat and add a teaspoon of ghee or butter.
- Once the ghee or butter is hot, carefully place the paneer pieces into the pan and coat them with the melted fat.
- Fry the paneer for a few minutes on each side until lightly browned. Be careful not to over-fry, as it can make the paneer tough and dry.
- Remove the paneer from the pan and set it aside until the curry is ready.
Another method of cooking paneer before adding it to a curry is to grill or bake it. This method adds a smoky flavour to the paneer and is a healthier alternative to frying. Here is a brief overview:
- Cut the paneer into cubes or desired shapes/sizes.
- Thread the paneer pieces onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece.
- Brush the paneer with melted butter or oil and sprinkle with spices (optional).
- Grill the paneer skewers for a few minutes on each side until lightly charred, or bake in the oven at 200°C for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the paneer from the grill or oven and set it aside until the curry is ready.
By following these simple methods, you can easily cook paneer before adding it to your favourite curry dish. Remember to adjust the cooking time and temperature depending on your preferred level of browning and crispness.
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Spicing up a paneer curry
Paneer curry is a delicious, mildly spiced dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. However, if you're looking to add a little extra kick to your meal, there are several ways to spice up a paneer curry.
One way to add some heat to your paneer curry is to include chillies. Fresh chillies, red chilli powder, or green chillies can be added to the dish to increase its spiciness. You can also experiment with different types of chillies to find your preferred level of spice. For example, Kashmiri chilli powder is often used in Indian cuisine and can add a nice red colour to the dish.
Another way to spice up your paneer curry is to play around with various spices. The great thing about Indian cuisine is that there are numerous spices to choose from, each with its unique flavour and aroma. Some common spices used in paneer curry include cumin seeds, coriander powder, garam masala, curry powder, paprika, cinnamon, and cardamom. You can adjust the amounts of these spices to your taste or experiment with other spices like cloves, bay leaves, or black cardamom.
Additionally, you can try adding some spice blends, such as pav bhaji masala or chaat masala, which can enhance the flavour and spiciness of your dish. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own spice blends by mixing and grinding whole spices.
Finally, while not a spice, adding a splash of ghee or butter to your paneer curry can also enhance the spice flavours. Ghee, in particular, is commonly used in Indian cuisine and can add a rich, nutty flavour to the dish. However, be cautious not to add too much, as it can burn easily when frying the paneer.
Remember, when spicing up your paneer curry, it's essential to taste as you go and adjust the spices according to your preference. Everyone's spice tolerance is different, so find the level that suits your taste buds. Enjoy experimenting and creating a delicious, spicy paneer curry!
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What vegetables to add to paneer curry
Yes, you can put paneer in curry. Paneer curry is a tasty vegetarian dish that is mild enough for the whole family to enjoy. However, if you like your food spicy, you can add some fresh chillies.
There are many vegetables that you can add to a paneer curry. Here are some suggestions:
Peas
Peas are a popular addition to paneer curry. You can use either frozen or boiled peas.
Methi leaves
Methi leaves, also known as kasuri methi, are another great option to add to your paneer curry.
Spinach
Spinach is a healthy choice to include in your paneer curry. Simply add it to the dish and simmer until it has wilted.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a key ingredient in many paneer curry recipes, providing a characteristic texture and flavour. They can be chopped, grated, or blended into a puree.
Onions
Onions are another essential ingredient in paneer curry, providing flavour and texture. You can grate, mince, or finely chop them, depending on your preference.
Bell peppers
Bell peppers can add a nice colour and flavour to your paneer curry.
Other vegetables
You can also add other vegetables such as potatoes, cauliflower, mushrooms, or mixed vegetables.
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What to serve with paneer curry
There are many different types of paneer curry, and there are several options for what to serve with it.
A Dhaba-style paneer curry is a simple, flavoursome, and delicious curry where marinated and fried paneer is simmered in a curry base. This can be served with plain rice, flavoured rice, or even with roti or naan.
A spicier option is Achari paneer, a North Indian dish where the curry or gravy is spiced with pickling spices. This can be served with plain rice, jeera rice, ghee rice, butter naan, chapati, tandoori roti, or paratha.
A milder option is a Palak paneer curry, where paneer is added to a spinach gravy. This can be served with rice or naan bread.
A paneer curry can also be served with toasted garlic naan, a chapati, or roti, and even with onion bhaji.
For a more festive option, Malai kofta curry is a popular North Indian dish where crisp-fried paneer koftas are served with a creamy malai gravy. This can be served with rice or roti.
Finally, a simple paneer bhurji is a beginner-friendly, creamy curry with layers of spices that can be served with butter naan, roti, or plain rice.
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What type of paneer to use in curry
When it comes to choosing the right type of paneer for your curry, there are a few options to consider. Paneer is a type of Indian cheese that is widely used in vegetarian dishes. It has a soft and crumbly texture, making it perfect for curries, wraps, and fritters.
Firstly, you can opt for store-bought paneer, which is readily available and convenient. However, it's important to choose a variety without additives like starch, as these additives can cause the paneer to become rubbery when added to hot curry. To prevent this, some chefs recommend soaking store-bought paneer in warm water for about 10 minutes before using it in your curry.
Alternatively, you can make your own homemade paneer, which will result in a softer texture than most store-bought options. Preparing paneer at home is surprisingly easy, and it's a great option for those who want to control the ingredients and texture of their paneer.
When adding paneer to your curry, it's important to consider the consistency of the dish. Paneer works best in curries with a slightly flowy consistency, as the extra moisture helps keep the paneer soft. Avoid adding paneer to a thick curry, as it may become dry and rubbery.
Additionally, the type of paneer you use can depend on the specific curry you are preparing. For example, in a Dhaba-style curry, which originates from roadside restaurants in India, paneer is typically added to a gravy that includes spices, minced or grated onions, and sometimes peas. This style of curry does not usually include pureed ingredients, preserving a more textured consistency.
In other paneer curry recipes, such as Paneer Butter Masala, the paneer is added to a creamy, silky curry base made with pureed onions, tomatoes, cashews, and spices. This style of curry has a rich and creamy texture, and the paneer adds to its indulgent flavour.
Ultimately, the type of paneer you use in your curry depends on your personal preference and the specific requirements of the dish. Both store-bought and homemade paneer can be delicious additions to a variety of curry recipes, each bringing its own unique texture and flavour to the table.
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Frequently asked questions
Paneer is an Indian fresh, crumbly cheese that is often used in curries.
Paneer is often likened to halloumi or cottage cheese in terms of taste and texture.
There are many types of curries that use paneer, including dhaba-style paneer curry, saag paneer, and paneer butter masala.
Paneer curry can be served with plain rice, jeera rice, ghee rice, naan bread, roti, paratha, or chapati.
