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Embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine with a simple yet indulgent dish – Easy Paneer Korma. My wife loves all things Paneer. I am now looking for some different ways to make her paneer than I have previously tried.
Jump to RecipeThis delightful curry showcases the versatility of paneer, a homemade Indian cheese that adds a creamy texture to this aromatic and flavorful dish. A korma paneer uses nuts in the sauce. I am not a nut fan so I have shied away from making it previously. Some examples of Indian paneer dishes that I have made include:
What is Paneer
Paneer, a fresh and mild Indian cheese, is a staple in many Indian households. Its simplicity in preparation and its ability to absorb the flavors of various spices make it a versatile ingredient in Indian cuisine. It is a great substitute for a normal protein. It is made in a traditional method. It is a hard cheese and does not really melt.
What kind of dish is Paneer Korma?
Paneer Korma is one of the best tasting North Indian curry dishes because it bursts with flavors and has all the creamy goodness of Indian curries. One can eat it with Indian flatbread, Naan and rice dish, or both. So if you try making a different paneer dish, then try this creamy, nutty rich and velvety curry recipe.
Conclusion:
There are a lot of steps in this recipe but if you have made Indian curries before, they follow the same general methodology. My Easy Paneer Korma is a blend of creamy goodness and aromatic spices mixed in with paneer. Embrace the process of Indian cooking and enjoy this recipe. Happy cooking!
Jump to Recipe
Easy Paneer Korma
A lot of Indian recipes follow the same methodology. My Easy Paneer Korma follows suit even though there are quite a few steps.
Ingredients
Initial spices/Korma Paste
- 1 Tbsp Coriander seed
- 1 Tbsp Fennel seeds
- 1 Tbsp Cumin seeds diced
- 8 – 10 Whole Almonds
- 2 – 3 Whole Green cardamon pods
- 1 Inch Cinnamon chopped
- 1 Tsp Mace or nutmeg minced
- 7 – 8 Whole Black peppercorns
- 7 – 8 Whole Cloves
Korma Curry
- 2 Whole Large onions
- 1/4 + Cup Ghee
- 4 – 5 Cloves Garlic
- 1 Inch Fresh ginger
- 1/4 Cup Cashews diced
- 1/4 Cup Tomato puree squeezed
- 1+ Tbsp Cumin seeds
- 2 Tbsp Kasuri Methi (fennegreek leaves)
- 1 Whole Bay leaf
- 1 Inch Cinnamon stick
- 1 Piece Star anise
- 2 – 3 Whole Green cardamon pods
- 5 – 6 Whole Cloves
- 2 Cups Water divided
- 2 Tbsp Ginger julienne
- 1 Whole Green chili
- 3/4 Cup Yogurt
- 2 Tbsp Besan powder (chickpea)
- 1 Tbsp Cumin powder
- 2 Tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
- 1/2 Tsp Turmeric
- 1/4 – 1/2 Tsp Garam marsala
- 1 Tbsp Cilantro chopped
- 2 Tbsp Saffron soaked milk
- 1/4 – 1/2 Tsp Rose water
Instructions
Korma Paste
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Add cumin seeds, fennel seeds, coriander seeds, almonds, green cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, mace spice, cloves, and black peppercorns to a large pan. Roast for 1 minute or until the spices become aromatic. Remove them from the pan and set them aside to cool.
Heat 1/4 of the ghee in a wide non-stick pan. Once simmering, add in the sliced onions and fry onions over medium heat until they are browned and crisp. At the same time, add 1/4 cup of hot water on to 1/4 cup cashews and let them soak for 10 minutes. Once onions are browned, remove them from the pan and set them aside to cool completely at room temperature. Take the pan off the stove reserving the oil in the pan.
To a blender, add the fried onions, soaked cashews (without water), ginger, garlic, roasted whole spices and seeds, tomato puree, and 3/4 cup of water. Blend until smooth and this is your Korma Paste. Set it aside.
Korma Curry
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Add the Kasuri methi to a pan over medium heat. Dry roast for 1 minute or until they are crisp and aromatic. Remove it from the pan and crush it using your fingers and reserve.
To a mixing bowl, add yogurt, besan flour, coriander powder, red chili powder, and turmeric powder. Mix well and put aside. Cut the paneer into 1-inch cubes. Add 2 tbsp of the ghee to the same pan (that had the fried onions), and once hot turn the heat to medium-low. Add the paneer cubes and brown on all sides until golden. Set aside. In the same pan, add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, star anise, green cardamom pods, cloves, and black peppercorns. Sauté for a few seconds and add in the korma paste – mix well. Next, add 1/2 cup of water to the pan and mix well to combine. Cook for 2 minutes. Then, add ginger juliennes and sliced green chilies. Mix well. Add yogurt spice mixture and mix well until combined. Then, add 3/4 cup of water to the pan and mix well. Keep stirring and let it come to a boil. Once boiling, turn the heat down, cover the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
At this point, if your gravy seems thick, then you can add more water to adjust the consistency. Add salt to taste, crushed Kasuri methi, and mix well. Cook for 2 more minutes or until the oil starts to separate. Once the oil separates, add the garam masala powder, saffron soaked milk, and mix everything well. Next, add the paneer cubes and mix well. Cover and let it cook for another 5-7 minutes. Uncover the pan and add the rose water and mix again. Now add cilantro and mix well. Cover the pan again turning off the heat and let it sit covered for 5-7 minutes. Transfer the paneer korma curry to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped cilantro and ginger juliennes. Serve and enjoy!.
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