Published on

Malai Paneer - Creamy North Indian Cottage Cheese Delight

Authors
  • avatar
    Name
    ChefPandas
    Twitter

🍲 About This Dish

Malai Paneer is a beloved dish hailing from North India, known for its creamy texture and mild yet flavorful spices. "Malai" translates to cream in Hindi, highlighting the rich and luxurious aspect of this dish. Paneer, a fresh Indian cottage cheese, is the star ingredient in this recipe, making it a favorite among vegetarians and paneer enthusiasts.

🌶️ Ingredients Overview

  • Paneer (Indian cottage cheese)
  • Fresh cream (malai)
  • Ghee (clarified butter)
  • Whole spices: cloves (laung), cardamom (elaichi), bay leaf (tej patta)
  • Ground spices: turmeric (haldi), coriander (dhania), cumin (jeera), garam masala
  • Ginger (adrak) and garlic (lehsun) paste
  • Green chilies (hari mirch)
  • Cashew nuts (kaju)
  • Fresh coriander leaves (dhaniya patta)

✨ What Makes It Special

Malai Paneer showcases regional variations within North India, with each household adding its unique touch to the recipe. In Punjab, it might be more robust with the use of mustard oil, while in Uttar Pradesh, a touch of saffron could be added for a royal touch. This dish is often served at festive occasions and gatherings, symbolizing indulgence and celebration.

📝 Ingredients

  • 250g paneer, cubed
  • 1/2 cup fresh cream
  • 2 tbsp ghee
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala
  • 1-inch ginger, grated
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 green chilies, slit
  • 10 cashew nuts, soaked and ground
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
  • Salt to taste

🥄 Spice Blend (Masala)

To make the garam masala:

  • 1-inch cinnamon stick
  • 4-5 cloves
  • 4-5 green cardamom pods
  • 1 black cardamom pod
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds

Dry roast the whole spices and grind them into a fine powder.

👨‍🍳 Preparation Method

  1. Heat ghee in a pan and add the ginger-garlic paste.
  2. Add the green chilies and sauté for a minute.
  3. Add the turmeric, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Cook until the raw smell disappears.
  4. Add the ground cashew paste and cook for a few minutes.
  5. Stir in the fresh cream and garam masala.
  6. Add the paneer cubes and gently mix to coat them with the creamy sauce.
  7. Simmer for a few minutes until the flavors meld together.
  8. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

⏰ Timing Guide

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

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Malai Paneer is best enjoyed with hot naan or fragrant basmati rice. Garnish with a drizzle of fresh cream and a sprinkle of garam masala for an authentic touch. Serve it alongside tangy mint chutney and crunchy pickles to balance the richness of the dish.

💭 Chef's Notes

For a vegan twist, you can substitute paneer with tofu and coconut cream for a dairy-free version of this dish. Adjust the spice levels according to your preference, and feel free to experiment with additional spices like kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for an aromatic twist.

📦 Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or cream to maintain the creamy consistency.

Enjoy the luxurious flavors of Malai Paneer, a dish that truly encapsulates the essence of North Indian cuisine with its creamy texture and delicate spices.