Creamy Paneer Pasanda Recipe: A Delectable Indian Delight

Title: Creamy Paneer Pasanda Recipe: A Delectable Indian Delight

Introduction:-

Paneer Pasanda is a rich and indulgent North Indian dish that's perfect for special occasions and gatherings. This creamy delicacy features tender paneer (Indian cottage cheese) stuffed with a flavorful nut and spice mixture, cooked in a luscious tomato-based gravy. In this step-by-step guide, we'll take you through the process of making Paneer Pasanda at home, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.

Paneer Pasanda is a delightful and indulgent Indian dish that exemplifies the richness and complexity of Indian cuisine. This culinary masterpiece is a true treat for the senses, featuring succulent slices of paneer (cottage cheese) that are transformed into a heavenly delight.

The dish is a harmonious dance of flavors and textures, where each element is carefully crafted to create a symphony of taste. It is composed of two main components: the stuffed paneer slices and a luxuriously creamy gravy.

To start, the paneer slices are cut thick and infused with an exquisite filling. This filling combines the mild, milky sweetness of grated paneer with the luxurious richness of cashew nuts, the delicate sweetness of raisins, and the subtle heat of green chilies. A touch of garam masala ties it all together, resulting in a stuffing that is both flavorful and satisfying.

The paneer slices, now brimming with this delectable filling, are then coated in a luscious batter and fried to a golden, crispy perfection. This step adds a delightful crunch to the dish, providing a satisfying contrast to the creamy gravy.

The gravy, on the other hand, is a work of art in itself. It begins with the aromatic sautéing of ginger-garlic paste, which releases a tantalizing fragrance that foreshadows the culinary magic to come. Spices like red chili powder, turmeric powder, and coriander powder are added, infusing the dish with layers of depth and complexity. Cashews provide a subtle nuttiness, while fresh cream and yogurt contribute to the creamy, velvety texture that Paneer Pasanda is known for.

When the fried paneer slices are introduced to this rich gravy, they absorb the flavors, becoming tender and flavorful morsels that melt in your mouth. A final garnish of fresh coriander leaves adds a touch of brightness to the dish, both visually and in terms of flavor.

Paneer Pasanda is a culinary masterpiece that reflects the artistry and diversity of Indian cuisine. It's a dish that's reserved for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something truly extraordinary. Whether served with buttery naan or fragrant rice, Paneer Pasanda is a gastronomic experience that will leave you craving for more, a true testament to the magic of Indian cooking.

Ingredients:-

For Paneer Filling:-

250g paneer (cottage cheese), cut into 1-inch thick slices

2 tablespoons cashews, finely chopped

2 tablespoons almonds, finely chopped

2 tablespoons raisins

1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

1/2 teaspoon green chili paste (adjust to your spice preference)

1/2 teaspoon garam masala

1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

Salt to taste

2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped

2 tablespoons cooking oil for shallow frying

For Gravy:-

2 large tomatoes, pureed

1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh cream

1/4 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

1/2 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1/2 teaspoon garam masala

2 tablespoons cooking oil

Salt to taste

Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Step 1: Preparing the Paneer Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped cashews, almonds, raisins, ginger-garlic paste, green chili paste, garam masala, red chili powder, and a pinch of salt.

Mix well until the ingredients form a cohesive stuffing mixture.

Take each paneer slice and gently make a pocket in the center, taking care not to break it.

Stuff each paneer pocket with the prepared mixture.

Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.

Shallow fry the stuffed paneer slices until they turn golden brown on both sides. Set aside.

Step 2: Preparing the Gravy

Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in another pan over medium heat.

Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.

Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw aroma disappears.

Add tomato puree, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook the mixture until the oil separates from the spices.

Lower the heat and add fresh cream and milk. Stir well to combine.

Simmer the gravy for a few minutes until it thickens.

Add garam masala and give it a final stir.

Step 3: Assembling Paneer Pasanda

Place the fried paneer slices in the creamy gravy and gently simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice. Enjoy your homemade Paneer Pasanda, a sumptuous Indian dish that's sure to delight your taste buds!

Calorie Estimate:-

The calorie content of Paneer Pasanda can vary depending on the exact brands and quantities of ingredients used. On average, one serving of Paneer Pasanda (approximately 200 grams) can contain around 400-500 calories. However, this is just an estimate, and actual calorie content may differ based on your specific recipe and portion size.

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