Handi paneer is a delicious and creamy gravy cooked in a handi. A handi is a type of pot used in Indian cooking which has a shallow depth and a wide bottom. If you do not have a handi, then you can still make paneer handi in a pan or a kadai (wok).
It is called handi paneer because it is made in one pot. Handi is cooking in one pot. I usually make this in a clay pot. you make also make it in the usual vessel. It still tastes the same good
Handi Paneer is a mouth-watering vegetarian recipe that is a perfect main dish. With this extremely delicious and spicy dish, you can create a restaurant-like experience at your home for your loved ones.
This handi paneer is best served hot or warm with tandoori rotis or plain naan or butter naan or parathas or rotis or cumin rice or biryani rice. It can also be had with plain steamed rice.
Handi Paneer is also a yummy recipe to make if you are hosting a party or a family dinner. Do try this recipe, rate it and let us know how it turned out to be.
Ingredients for Handi Paneer
- 200 grams of Paneer (cottage cheese)
- 2 tablespoons Ghee
- 1 teaspoon Ginger Garlic Paste
- 3 finely chopped onion
- ½ cup finely chopped tomatoes
- 2-3 green chilies chopped
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder (ground turmeric)
- ¼ teaspoon garam masala powder
- ¼ teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup water or add as required
- salt as required
- ½ teaspoon Kasuri methi
- 2 stalks chopped coriander leaves
- ½ cup fresh curd (yogurt)
Instructions for Handi Paneer
- Cut the paneer into cubes.
- Heat 2 tablespoons ghee in a heavy handi or pan or kadai. Keep the heat to a low.
- Add finely chopped onions and saute them till the onions are slightly brown.
- Then add 1 teaspoon of ginger garlic paste, 2-3 green chilies (slit), and 1 tablespoon of chopped coriander leaves. sauté for some seconds till the raw aroma of ginger and garlic goes away.
- Then add chopped tomato and let it cook for another 5-6 minutes or till the tomato water dries up.
- The tomatoes have to be cooked very well and oil should release from the sauteed onion-tomato mixture.
- Add turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, black pepper, and garam masala powder, and cook for 2 minutes on medium heat.
- Mix the spice powders and saute for half a minute. Stirring often salutes the masala till you see oil releasing from the sides.
- Now add whipped yogurt and cook till the masala dries up.
- Add half a cup of beaten curd and cook for 2-3 minutes, before adding salt. Add a cup of water and bring it to a boil.
- Stir and mix again to a smooth curry. Season with salt as per taste and mix again.
- Add 200 grams of paneer cubes and stir to mix.
- Cover the handi with a lid and Simmer the gravy for 6 to 7 minutes on medium-low heat.
- Then add ½ teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) which have been crushed. Stir to gently mix.
- Turn off the heat. Serve in a large bowl and sprinkle coriander leaves over the dish.
Serving suggestions
Serve in a large bowl and sprinkle coriander leaves over the dish. You can garnish this recipe with dry fruits and nuts. You can also garnish this dish with grated coconut.
Serve paneer handi hot or warm with naan or chapati or plain paratha or butter naan or cumin rice or saffron rice.
Tips
- To enhance the flavor and texture of the paneer, marinate it for at least 30 minutes or longer in a mixture of yogurt, spices, and a little oil before cooking.
- Before adding the tomatoes to the gravy, sauté the spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric, etc.) in oil or ghee to release their flavors and aromas.
- Adjust the amount of red chili powder or green chilies according to your preference for spiciness. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount or omit them altogether.
- To achieve a creamy texture, you can add cashew paste or a combination of cashew and tomato paste instead of cream. Soak cashews in water for a few hours and blend them into a smooth paste.
- Just before serving, garnish Handi Paneer with freshly chopped coriander leaves (cilantro) to add a fresh and vibrant flavor.
Variations
- Vegetable Handi Paneer: Add a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, peas, carrots, or mushrooms along with paneer to make it more wholesome and colorful. Sauté the vegetables before adding the paneer to ensure they are cooked to the desired tenderness.
- Methi (Fenugreek) Handi Paneer: Add a handful of fresh fenugreek leaves (methi) to the gravy. The distinct flavor of fenugreek leaves adds a unique taste to the dish.
- Palak (Spinach) Handi Paneer: Blanch a bunch of spinach leaves, blend them into a puree, and add it to the tomato-based gravy. This variation adds vibrant green color and a mild spinach flavor to the dish.
- Kashmiri Handi Paneer: For a rich and mildly sweet variation, add a tablespoon of Kashmiri red chili powder and a pinch of saffron strands to the gravy. This gives the dish a vibrant red color and a subtle sweetness.
- Dahi (Yogurt) Handi Paneer: Increase the amount of yogurt in the marinade and gravy to make it more tangy and creamy. This variation adds a pleasant tanginess to the dish.
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought paneer for Handi Paneer?
A: Yes, you can use store-bought paneer for making Handi Paneer. It is readily available in most Indian grocery stores. However, if you prefer, you can also make paneer at home by curdling milk and then straining the curds to obtain the cheese.
Q: Is Handi Paneer a spicy dish?
A: The level of spiciness in Handi Paneer can vary according to individual preferences. Generally, it has a mild to medium level of spiciness. The amount of red chili powder or green chilies used can be adjusted to make it more or less spicy according to your taste.
Q: What can be served with Handi Paneer?
A: Handi Paneer is commonly served with Indian bread like naan, roti, or paratha. It also goes well with steamed rice or jeera rice (cumin rice). Some people also enjoy it with pulao (a fragrant rice dish) or biryani.
Q: Can I make variations to the Handi Paneer recipe?
A: Yes, you can make variations to the Handi Paneer recipe to suit your taste. For example, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or mushrooms to make it more wholesome. Additionally, you can experiment with the spices and herbs used to create different flavor profiles.
Q: Is Handi Paneer a vegetarian dish?
A: Yes, Handi Paneer is a vegetarian dish as it is made with paneer (cottage cheese) and does not include any meat or animal-derived ingredients. It is a popular choice among vegetarians and those who follow a vegetarian die
Nutrition
| Calories | 194kcal |
| Fat | 13g |
| Sodium |
767mg
|
| Potassium |
mg
|
| Carbohydrates | 1.2g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Vitamin A |
599IU
|
| Vitamin C |
10mg
|
| Calcium | 71mg |
Also read:
- Oreo Mug Cake Recipe
- Methi Matar Malai recipe
- How to make chenna
- Handi Paneer Recipe
- ‘Black Lentils Recipe
- Til laddu recipe (til ke laddu)
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