Paneer Makhanwala

Paneer Makhanwala is a dish from Mughlai cuisine. Mughlai cuisine consists of the dishes which were prepared in the kitchen of Mughal Emperors. These dishes are very exotic, rich in flavor and spices. Also, in the preparation of most of mughlai dishes, milk and cream is used to enhance the richness of the dish. This cuisine is very popular in northern part of India though you can eat most of mughlai dishes these days in every restaurant. But the best place to enjoy mughlai food is Delhi which specializes in the preparation of this cuisine.

Paneer is a fresh cheese common in south asian cuisine  and makhan is referred to cream used in the dish. Hence the name Paneer Makhanwala. It is also called Shahi Paneer, reference to the royalty which use to enjoy this dish. It is best served with indian bread called Naan.

Paneer Makhanwala

Ingredients:

• 2 cups paneer, cut in cubes
• 2 onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 green chillies, devined and chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoon tandoori paste
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garam masala powder
• 3 tablespoon heavy cream
• salt to taste
• 2-3 dry bay leaves
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• chopped cilantro leaves for garnish

Paneer Makhanwala

Method:

• Heat 1/2 teaspoon of oil in a pan , add onions, chillies, garlic, ginger with a pinch of salt. Cook until onions are softened. Cool down the mixture and transfer this to the blender jar and blend it into a fine paste.
• In the same pan, add rest of the oil and butter, then add bay leaves followed by onion paste. Cook until it turns light brown in color.
• Add crushed tomatoes, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, tandoori paste, salt and cook until the oil separates from the masala about 7-10 minutes.
• Add little bit of water for desired consistency, cover the pan and cook for another 3-4 minutes on low heat.
• Add cream to the sauce and mix everything well. In the end add paneer cubes to the sauce and gently stir to mix everything well. If you are using store-bought paneer, put in hot boiling water for 10-15 minutes, so that it gets little soft.
• Garnish with chopped cilantro leaves and serve!

Paneer Makhanwala