Dhaba style Achari Paneer

ACHAARI PANEER - This Paneer recipe never goes out of trend or demand. Try my recipe for this classic Paneer gravy.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 25-30 minutes

Serves: 2-4

Ingredients

For Achari Paneer

• ⅓ cup Mustard oil
• 2 Bay leaves
• 2 dry Red chilies
• ¼ tsp Nigella seeds
• ½ tsp Fennel seeds
• ½ tsp small Mustard seeds
• ½ tsp Cumin seeds
• ¼ tsp Fenugreek seeds
• 3 large Onions, finely chopped
• 1 inch Ginger (peeled & roughly chopped)
• A pinch of Asafoetida
• 1 heaped tsp Turmeric powder
• 1 heaped tsp Degi red chili powder
• ½ tbsp Coriander powder
• 2-3 heaped tbsp Curd, beaten
• 1 ⅓ cups fresh Tomato puree
• Salt to taste
• 2-3 tbsp Water
• 1 heaped tbsp Mango pickle
• ½ cup Water
• 1 tsp Sugar
• Sauteed paneer & green chili
• 1 heaped tbsp fresh Coriander leaves, finely chopped

For Tomato Puree

• 4-5 Cashew Nuts
• 4 large Tomatoes, cut into half

For Sauteing Paneer

• 1 tbsp Mustard oil
• 4 Green chilies (less spicy & slit)
• 800 gms Paneer, large diced
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp Degi red chili powder

For Garnish

• Coriander sprig

Process

For Achari Paneer

1. In a handi, add mustard oil. Once it's smoky hot, add bay leaf, dry red chili, nigella seeds, fennel seeds, small mustard seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, and let it splutter well.
2. Add onions, ginger, a pinch of asafoetida, and cook for a while until translucent.
3. Add turmeric powder, degi red chili powder, coriander powder, curd, and saute for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add fresh tomato puree, salt to taste, and cook until well done.
5. Add water, mango pickle, and simmer for 4-5 minutes.
6. Add water to adjust consistency, sugar, sauteed paneer, and green chili, then give it a quick boil.
7. Finish with fresh coriander leaves and mix well.
8. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with coriander sprig.
9. Serve hot with roti or paratha.

For Tomato Puree

1. In a mixer grinder jar, add cashew nuts and tomatoes, and grind into a smooth paste.
2. Transfer to a pourer or bowl and keep aside for further use.

For Sauteing Paneer

1. In a pan, add mustard oil. Once it's smoky hot, add green chilies, paneer, degi red chili powder, and gently toss for a minute.
2. Cook the paneer for 4-5 minutes on medium flame and keep aside for further use.