Paneer Korma: A Rich and Creamy Vegetarian Dish
Paneer korma is a popular Indian dish that is loved by many. It’s a creamy and rich vegetarian dish that is perfect for special occasions or when you’re craving something indulgent. The dish consists of paneer cheese cooked in a fragrant and flavorful sauce made with nuts, spices, and yogurt. Here’s a recipe for paneer korma that you can try at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 block of paneer cheese, cubed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup cashews
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- Salt, to taste
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
- Add the cashews and almonds to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool. Once cooled, grind the mixture into a fine paste using a blender or food processor.
- Return the pan to the heat and add the ground paste to the pan. Mix well and cook for a minute until the paste is fragrant.
- Add the coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt to the pan. Mix well and cook for a minute until the spices are fragrant.
- Add the cubed paneer to the pan and mix well with the spice mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the paneer is heated through.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt and heavy cream until smooth.
- Add the yogurt and cream mixture to the pan and mix well. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture comes to a simmer.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan bread.
Tips:
- You can adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preferences.
- For a vegan version of this dish, you can substitute paneer with tofu and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- To make the dish more colorful, you can add vegetables like bell peppers or peas to the korma.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for later consumption.
In conclusion, paneer korma is a delicious and indulgent dish that is perfect for special occasions or when you’re in the mood for something rich and creamy. With this recipe, you can make a flavorful and aromatic dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. So, next time you’re looking for a vegetarian meal that’s full of flavor and texture, give paneer korma a try and enjoy the taste of India.