Nawabi Paneer, a dish as regal as its name, hails from the royal kitchens of India. Its origins are as rich as its flavours, tracing back to the Mughal era, known for its luxurious and aromatic cuisine.
This recipe holds a special place in the hearts of paneer lovers, captivating with its creamy texture and a symphony of spices.
Crafting Nawabi Paneer isn’t just about following steps; it’s an art of balancing flavours. The level of difficulty lies in the finesse needed to blend spices and yogurt without curdling. But fear not, as this dish is quite forgiving and allows room for experimentation.
Variations of Nawabi Paneer across regions add to its charm. Some prefer a tangier taste with added tomatoes, while others enjoy a richer version with cream. Each variation holds its uniqueness, yet they all share the heart of this delightful dish.
Engaging in the preparation of Nawabi Paneer is like taking a trip through India’s culinary heritage. The golden fried onions, the aromatic garlic and ginger, and the soft paneer cubes drenched in a spiced yogurt sauce, all speak of the richness of Indian cuisine.
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from the paneer providing a soft, chewy texture, to the spices that offer depth and warmth.
The blend of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and red chilli powder creates a vibrant colour and a taste that is both earthy and slightly hot. The addition of garam masala towards the end elevates the dish to a royal status, offering a hint of sweetness and warmth.
The yogurt, whisked to creamy perfection, not only adds to the texture but also balances the spices, ensuring the dish is not overpoweringly hot.
As I guide you through the preparation of Nawabi Paneer, you will find that each step is an opportunity to experience the magic of Indian cooking. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert in the kitchen, this dish promises a delightful cooking experience and an even more delightful eating experience.
Remember, the secret to a great Nawabi Paneer lies in the quality of the paneer and the balance of spices. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on this culinary journey.
The result will be a dish that not only looks appealing with its rich, creamy sauce and vibrant colours but also tastes like a piece of Indian royalty on your plate.
Expert Tip: For a richer flavour in Nawabi Paneer, try frying the paneer lightly in oil before adding it to the sauce. This step enhances the texture and taste, giving the paneer a slight crispiness.
Before we start breaking down the ingredients, let’s remember that each one adds its unique touch to Nawabi Paneer, making the dish rich in flavour and texture.
Paneer: The main component, paneer, is crucial for its mild, milky flavour and firm yet soft texture. It absorbs the spices beautifully, becoming the highlight of the dish. If paneer is not available, firm tofu can be a good alternative, offering a similar texture.
Onions: Onions bring a natural sweetness and depth when caramelized. They form the base of the sauce, imparting a rich, golden hue. For a milder taste, shallots can be used as they are sweeter and less pungent.
Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics are key in Indian cooking. Garlic adds a pungent depth, while ginger offers a warm, zesty note. If fresh garlic or ginger is not handy, powdered versions can be used, though the fresh ones are preferable for their vibrant flavours.
Plain Yogurt: Yogurt gives the dish its creamy texture and slight tanginess, balancing the spices. Greek yogurt can be used as an alternative for a thicker, richer sauce.
Ground Cumin and Coriander: These spices offer earthy and floral notes, essential in creating the dish’s signature taste. Cumin provides warmth, while coriander brings a slight citrusy touch. If unavailable, a general curry powder can be a substitute, though it will slightly alter the taste.
Ground Turmeric: Turmeric is important for its colour and mild, woody flavour. It has health benefits as well, being an anti-inflammatory agent.
Red Chilli Powder: This spice adds heat to the dish. It can be adjusted according to taste or substituted with paprika for a milder version.
Garam Masala: This blend of spices adds a hint of sweetness and warmth, completing the dish’s flavour profile. Each garam masala blend is unique, so it adds a personal touch to the dish.
Cooking Oil: A medium for cooking, it brings everything together. Vegetable oil is commonly used, but ghee can be substituted for a richer flavour.
Salt: Salt is essential for enhancing all the other flavours in the dish. It should be adjusted according to taste.
Fresh Coriander Leaves: Used as a garnish, they add a fresh, herbal note, contrasting the creamy texture of the dish.
Expert Tip: To ensure the spices don’t burn while cooking, add a splash of water when sautéing them. This helps in releasing their flavours more effectively and prevents them from sticking to the pan.
Absolutely! Nawabi Paneer can be prepared in advance. If you’re planning to serve it later, just reheat it gently before serving. Be cautious not to overheat as the paneer can become hard.
Nawabi Paneer pairs beautifully with naan, roti, or steamed rice. Its creamy sauce complements the softness of bread or the fluffiness of rice, making for a balanced meal.
For an even more flavourful dish, consider marinating the paneer in a mix of yogurt and spices for a few hours before cooking. This allows the paneer to absorb the flavours deeply.
Yes, for a vegan version, you can replace paneer with firm tofu. It’s a great substitute as it has a similar texture and soaks up the flavours just like paneer.
Certainly! Feel free to adjust the amount of red chilli powder to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the chilli powder or use paprika instead.
Leftover Nawabi Paneer can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just ensure it’s cooled to room temperature before storing.
Nawabi Paneer can be a great dish for children, just make sure to adjust the spice levels to make it more kid-friendly. You might want to reduce the chilli powder and garam masala.
If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a bit of cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking. This will give the dish a richer, more luxurious feel.
Expert Tip: Always use fresh ginger and garlic for Nawabi Paneer. The freshness of these ingredients significantly uplifts the overall taste and aroma of the dish, making a noticeable difference.
Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.
If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!
Subscribe now to receive my latest recipes directly in your inbox. Stay up-to-date and never miss out!
I love to cook! I want to share with you my favourite, delicious family-friendly recipes. I want to inspire you to create fantastic food for your family every day.
Add your first comment to this post