Paneer Lababdar
Paneer Lababdar is a rich and creamy North Indian dish that exemplifies the art of Indian cooking with its luscious gravy and succulent paneer cubes. Known for its velvety texture and harmonious blend of spices, Paneer Lababdar is a favorite in Indian restaurants and a popular choice for festive meals. The dish combines the goodness of tomatoes and onions with the richness of cream and cashews, creating a symphony of flavors that delights the palate.
The name “Lababdar” signifies something that is extremely rich and desirable, and this dish lives up to its name with its luxurious taste and texture. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply indulging in a special meal at home, Paneer Lababdar is sure to impress with its creamy, mildly spiced gravy and melt-in-the-mouth paneer cubes.
Ingredients Required for Making Paneer Lababdar
- Paneer (पनीर) – 250 grams, cubed
- Onions (प्याज) – 2 large, finely chopped
- Tomatoes (टमाटर) – 3 medium, chopped
- Cashew Nuts (काजू) – 10-12, soaked in warm water
- Fresh Cream (ताज़ी क्रीम) – 1/2 cup
- Ginger (अदरक) – 1-inch piece, chopped
- Garlic (लहसुन) – 4 cloves, chopped
- Green Chilies (हरी मिर्च) – 2, chopped
- Green Cardamom (हरी इलायची) – 2 pods
- Cloves (लौंग) – 2
- Cinnamon Stick (दालचीनी) – 1-inch piece
- Bay Leaf (तेज पत्ता) – 1
- Red Chili Powder (लाल मिर्च पाउडर) – 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric Powder (हल्दी पाउडर) – 1/2 teaspoon
- Coriander Powder (धनिया पाउडर) – 1 teaspoon
- Garam Masala (गरम मसाला) – 1/2 teaspoon
- Kasuri Methi (कसूरी मेथी) – 1 teaspoon, crushed
- Butter (मक्खन) – 2 tablespoons
- Oil (तेल) – 2 tablespoons
- Salt (नमक) – to taste
- Fresh Coriander Leaves (ताज़ा धनिया पत्ते) – for garnish
The Step-wise Process of Cooking Paneer Lababdar
- Prepare the Cashew Paste:
- Soak the cashew nuts in warm water for 15-20 minutes. Drain and blend them into a smooth paste with a little water. Set aside.
- Cook the Onion-Tomato Base:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add bay leaf, green cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Add Spices and Tomatoes:
- Add chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook until they become soft and mushy.
- Add red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook until the oil starts to separate from the masala.
- Blend the Masala:
- Remove the bay leaf, cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon stick from the mixture.
- Let the mixture cool slightly, then blend it into a smooth paste.
- Prepare the Gravy:
- In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the blended masala paste back to the pan.
- Add the cashew paste and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add Paneer and Finish:
- Add the paneer cubes to the gravy. Stir gently to coat the paneer with the gravy.
- Add fresh cream, garam masala, and crushed kasuri methi. Mix well and simmer for 5-7 minutes on low heat.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Number of Servings
This recipe serves 4 people.
Time Required to Make Paneer Lababdar
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Important Points to Keep in Mind While Making the Dish
- Use fresh paneer for the best texture. If using store-bought paneer, soak it in warm water for 15 minutes before adding it to the gravy.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your taste preferences.
- The consistency of the gravy can be adjusted by adding more or less water as needed.
How to Serve the Paneer Lababdar
Paneer Lababdar is best served hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a drizzle of cream for an extra touch of richness.
Final Thoughts
Paneer Lababdar is a delectable dish that brings the richness of Indian cuisine to your table. Its creamy texture and flavorful spices make it a crowd-pleaser, perfect for special occasions or a luxurious meal at home. Enjoy the process of making this delightful dish and savor every bite of its royal flavors.
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