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Achari Paneer Recipe - Tangy and Spicy North Indian Cottage Cheese Delight

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    ChefPandas
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🍲 About This Dish

Achari Paneer is a popular North Indian dish that derives its unique flavors from the traditional pickling spices used in Indian cuisine. The term "Achari" translates to pickled, highlighting the tangy and spicy profile of this dish. Originating from the kitchens of North India, Achari Paneer showcases the region's love for bold flavors and rich textures.

🌶️ Ingredients Overview

Main Ingredients:

  • Paneer (Indian cottage cheese)
  • Mustard oil
  • Pickling spices (fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds, nigella seeds, mustard seeds)
  • Onions
  • Tomatoes
  • Ginger
  • Garlic
  • Green chilies
  • Yogurt
  • Fresh coriander leaves

Spices (Masalas):

  • Dhaniya Powder (Coriander Powder)
  • Jeera Powder (Cumin Powder)
  • Haldi (Turmeric)
  • Amchur (Dried Mango Powder)
  • Red Chili Powder
  • Garam Masala
  • Salt

✨ What Makes It Special

Achari Paneer varies in taste and preparation across different regions of India. In North India, the dish tends to be medium-hot with a pronounced tanginess from the pickling spices. In some variations, additional ingredients like dried fruits or nuts are added to enhance the richness of the dish. The amalgamation of tangy, spicy, and creamy flavors makes Achari Paneer a standout dish in Indian cuisine.

📝 Ingredients

  • 250g Paneer, cubed
  • 2 tbsp Mustard Oil
  • 1 tsp Fenugreek Seeds
  • 1 tsp Fennel Seeds
  • 1 tsp Nigella Seeds
  • 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
  • 2 Onions, finely chopped
  • 2 Tomatoes, pureed
  • 1-inch Ginger, grated
  • 4-5 Garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 Green Chilies, slit
  • 1/2 cup Yogurt
  • Fresh Coriander leaves for garnish

Spice Blend (Masala):

  • 1 tsp Dhaniya Powder
  • 1 tsp Jeera Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Haldi
  • 1 tsp Amchur
  • 1 tsp Red Chili Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Garam Masala
  • Salt to taste

🥄 Spice Blend (Masala)

To make the spice blend, combine all the spices listed under "Masala" in a bowl and mix well. Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.

👨‍🍳 Preparation Method

  1. Heat mustard oil in a pan and add fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds, nigella seeds, and mustard seeds. Let them splutter.
  2. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
  3. Add ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Cook until the raw aroma disappears.
  4. Add the spice blend (Masala) and cook for a minute.
  5. Stir in tomato puree and cook until the oil separates.
  6. Whisk the yogurt and gradually add it to the mixture, stirring continuously.
  7. Add cubed paneer and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
  8. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

⏰ Timing Guide

  • Preparation: 15 minutes
  • Cooking: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Achari Paneer pairs beautifully with steamed rice, naan, or roti. Garnish with extra coriander leaves and a dollop of yogurt for a refreshing contrast to the spicy flavors. Serve hot for the best experience.

💭 Chef's Notes

  • For a richer flavor, marinate the paneer in the yogurt-spice mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Adjust the spice levels by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chili powder.
  • Experiment with different pickling spices to create your unique variation of Achari Paneer.

📦 Storage

Store any leftover Achari Paneer in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to maintain the dish's moisture and flavors.

Enjoy the tantalizing flavors of Achari Paneer, a dish that showcases the vibrant culinary heritage of North India!