Dahi paneer

Dahi paneer recipe : Aculinary delight

Dahi paneer is a dish from Indian cuisine that combines two key ingredients: paneer, a type of Indian cheese, and dahi, which is the Hindi word for yogurt. The dish is typically made by marinating cubes of paneer in a spiced yogurt mixture and then cooking it until the yogurt is slightly caramelized and the paneer is tender.

The marination process helps to infuse the paneer with flavor and tenderize it. The yogurt also adds a tangy taste to the dish, which balances out the richness of the paneer. Some common spices used in the marinade include cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder.

The dish is usually finished off with a garnish of fresh coriander leaves and sometimes a sprinkle of roasted cumin powder.

Dahi paneer is a vegetarian dish and is often served with rice or naan bread. It is a popular dish in North Indian cuisine and is enjoyed by many people due to its creamy texture and flavorful taste.

Ingredients for Dahi paneer:

  • 250g paneer, cut into small cubes
  • 1 cup plain yogurt (dahi)
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • Fresh coriander leaves, chopped, for garnish

Instructions for Dahi paneer:

  1. In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.
  2. Add the paneer cubes to the marinade and gently toss to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  3. Heat the oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the marinated paneer cubes (reserving the marinade) and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the paneer is slightly browned on all sides.
  4. Pour the reserved marinade over the paneer and gently mix to coat. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the marinade has thickened slightly and the paneer is cooked through.
  5. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or naan bread.

Enjoy your delicious dahi paneer!

Dahi paneer

Serving suggestions

Dahi paneer can be served as a main course dish with steamed basmati rice or naan bread. You can also pair it with some raita, which is a yogurt-based side dish, and some pickle for added flavor.

If you want to make a complete Indian meal, you can also serve dahi paneer with some dal (lentil soup) and a vegetable dish, such as aloo gobi (potato and cauliflower curry) or baingan bharta (smoky eggplant mash). Garnish the dish with some freshly chopped coriander leaves for added flavor and color.

Dahi paneer is a versatile dish that can be customized to your taste preferences, so feel free to experiment with different spices and ingredients to make it your own!

Tips and variation

  • Use fresh paneer for best results. If you are using store-bought paneer, soak it in warm water for 10-15 minutes before using it to soften it.
  • Don’t overcook the paneer, or it may become tough and rubbery.
  • Adjust the spice levels to your taste. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red chili powder.
  • Use full-fat yogurt for a creamier texture.
  • Substitute paneer with tofu or vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, for a vegan version of the dish.
  • Stir in some kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for a subtle, earthy flavor.
  • For a spicier version, add some finely chopped green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.

FAQs about dahi paneer

  • Q: Can I make dahi paneer ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can marinate the paneer ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to cook the dish, simply take the marinated paneer out of the fridge and proceed with the recipe.

  • Q: Can I freeze dahi paneer?

A: While you can technically freeze it, the texture may change when thawed, and the yogurt may become watery. It is best to consume dahi paneer fresh.

  • Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt?

A: Yes, you can use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt, but keep in mind that it is thicker and tangier, so you may need to adjust the spices accordingly.

  • Q: Can I use other types of cheese instead of paneer?

A: Paneer has a unique texture and flavor that is difficult to replicate with other types of cheese. However, you can use tofu or vegetables as a substitute for paneer if you prefer a vegan version of the dish.

  • Q: Is dahi paneer a healthy dish?

A: It can be a healthy dish, as it is high in protein and calcium. However, the calorie and fat content may vary depending on the amount of oil and yogurt used in the recipe. To make it healthier, you can use low-fat yogurt and reduce the amount of oil used in the recipe.

Dahi paneer

Nutrition

Calories 314kcal
Carbohydrates 27g
Protein 8g
Fat 22g
Sodium 1221mg
Potassium 1085mg
Sugar 10 g
Vitamin A 1914IU
Calcium 166 mg
Iron 4 mg

 

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