Paneer Pasanda

Paneer Pasanda is a delectable North Indian dish that epitomizes richness and flavor. This luxurious dish features stuffed paneer (Indian cottage cheese) slices, which are cooked in a creamy, aromatic gravy. The stuffing, typically made from paneer, dry fruits, and spices, adds a delightful surprise to every bite. Paneer Pasanda is often reserved for special occasions and is a staple on many Indian restaurant menus, loved for its complex flavors and rich texture.

This dish is perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party or for treating your family to a restaurant-style meal at home. The combination of the soft paneer with the rich, flavorful gravy is simply irresistible. Serve it with naan, roti, or a bowl of fragrant basmati rice to create a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients Required for Making Paneer Pasanda

For the Paneer Sandwiches:

• Paneer (पनीर) – 250 grams
• Crumbled Paneer (कद्दूकस किया हुआ पनीर) – 1/2 cup
• Cashews (काजू) – 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Raisins (किशमिश) – 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Green Chilies (हरी मिर्च) – 1-2, finely chopped
• Fresh Coriander (ताजा धनिया) – 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Salt (नमक) – to taste
• Black Pepper Powder (काली मिर्च पाउडर) – 1/2 teaspoon
• Cornflour (कॉर्नफ्लोर) – 2 tablespoons
• Oil (तेल) – for shallow frying

For the Gravy:

• Onion (प्याज) – 2 medium, finely chopped
• Tomatoes (टमाटर) – 3 medium, pureed
• Ginger-Garlic Paste (अदरक-लहसुन पेस्ट) – 1 tablespoon
• Green Chilies (हरी मिर्च) – 2, slit
• Cashew Paste (काजू पेस्ट) – 1/4 cup (soak 10-12 cashews in water and grind to a smooth paste)
• Fresh Cream (फ्रेश क्रीम) – 1/4 cup
• Turmeric Powder (हल्दी पाउडर) – 1/2 teaspoon
• Red Chili Powder (लाल मिर्च पाउडर) – 1 teaspoon
• Coriander Powder (धनिया पाउडर) – 1 teaspoon
• Garam Masala (गरम मसाला) – 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt (नमक) – to taste
• Oil (तेल) – 2 tablespoons
• Butter (मक्खन) – 1 tablespoon
• Fresh Coriander (ताजा धनिया) – for garnish

Step-wise Process of Cooking Paneer Pasanda

1. Preparing the Paneer Sandwiches:
   • Cut the paneer block into rectangular slices about 1/4 inch thick.
   • In a bowl, mix crumbled paneer, chopped cashews, raisins, green chilies, fresh coriander, salt, and black pepper powder.
   • Take two paneer slices and place a small amount of the stuffing mixture between them to make a sandwich. Repeat with all the slices.
   • Dissolve the cornflour in a little water to make a thick paste.
   • Dip each paneer sandwich in the cornflour paste and shallow fry in hot oil until golden brown on both sides. Set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
2. Making the Gravy:
   • Heat oil and butter in a pan. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
   • Add ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears.
   • Add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the mixture.
   • Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
   • Add cashew paste and cook for a few more minutes until the gravy thickens.
   • Stir in fresh cream and garam masala. Mix well and simmer for a couple of minutes.
3. Combining and Final Cooking:
   • Gently place the fried paneer sandwiches into the gravy and simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
   • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Number of Servings

• This recipe serves approximately 4 people.

Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time Required to Make Paneer Pasanda

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Important Points to Keep in Mind While Making the Dish

• Ensure the paneer is fresh and firm for better results.
• Adjust the thickness of the gravy to your preference by adding water or more cream.
• Be gentle while handling the paneer sandwiches to avoid breaking them.
• Adjust the spice levels according to your taste.

How to Serve Paneer Pasanda

Serve Paneer Pasanda hot, garnished with fresh coriander. It pairs beautifully with Indian breads like naan, roti, or paratha. For a complete meal, you can also serve it with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice.

Final Thoughts

Paneer Pasanda is a rich and flavorful dish that showcases the versatility of paneer. The combination of stuffed paneer and creamy gravy makes it a hit at any dining table. Enjoy making and serving this exquisite dish, and watch it become a favorite in your home.

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