Mastering the Art of paneer makhani- A Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing the Ultimate Indian Cheese Curry

How to Prepare Paneer Makhani: A Rich and Creamy Indian Dish

Paneer Makhani, also known as Butter Chicken, is a mouth-watering Indian dish that is famous for its rich, creamy texture and delicious flavors. This dish is a perfect blend of spices, cream, and melted paneer, making it a favorite among food lovers. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to prepare Paneer Makhani at home, so you can enjoy this flavorful meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the preparation steps, here’s a list of ingredients you will need:

– 1 lb paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cut into cubes
– 2 tablespoons oil
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 inch ginger, minced
– 1 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
– 1/2 teaspoon kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt to taste
– Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing

Preparation Steps

1. Marinate the Paneer: Start by marinating the paneer cubes in a mixture of salt and red chili powder for about 10-15 minutes. This will help the paneer absorb the flavors of the dish.

2. Prepare the Sauce: In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then, add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

3. Add Spices: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan, and sauté for another minute. Next, add the red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala. Stir well to combine the spices.

4. Cook the Sauce: Let the spices cook for a few minutes until the raw smell disappears. Now, add the kasoori methi and stir well.

5. Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

6. Cook the Paneer: In a separate pan, shallow-fry the paneer cubes in oil until they turn golden brown. Be careful not to overcook them.

7. Combine and Serve: Once the sauce is simmered, add the paneer cubes to the pan. Stir gently to combine the paneer with the sauce. Cook for another 5 minutes, then turn off the heat.

8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the Paneer Makhani with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed rice or naan.

Now that you know how to prepare Paneer Makhani, you can impress your family and friends with this rich and creamy Indian dish. Enjoy your cooking!