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Paneer Kolhapuri - Spicy Maharashtrian Delight with Paneer

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    ChefPandas
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🍲 About This Dish

Paneer Kolhapuri is a fiery and flavorful dish from the state of Maharashtra, known for its robust and aromatic flavors. This dish originates from Kolhapur, a city in Maharashtra famous for its spicy cuisine. The combination of rich paneer and a fiery spice blend makes Paneer Kolhapuri a popular choice among spice lovers.

🌶️ Ingredients Overview

  • Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) : Paneer
  • Spice Blend (Kolhapuri Masala) : Red chili powder, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, fennel seeds, turmeric powder
  • Tomatoes : Tomatoes
  • Onions : Onions
  • Garlic : Garlic
  • Ginger : Ginger
  • Green Chilies : Green Chilies
  • Vegetable Oil : Vegetable Oil
  • Fresh Coriander Leaves : Fresh Coriander Leaves

✨ What Makes It Special

Paneer Kolhapuri stands out for its intense spice mix, known as Kolhapuri Masala. This spice blend typically includes a variety of whole spices that are dry-roasted and ground to perfection. The dish is characterized by its fiery taste, making it a favorite among those who enjoy bold flavors.

📝 Ingredients

  • 250g Paneer, cubed
  • 3 Tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 Onions, finely sliced
  • 4 Garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-inch Ginger, grated
  • 2 Green Chilies, slit
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
  • Fresh Coriander Leaves for garnish
  • Salt to taste

🥄 Spice Blend (Kolhapuri Masala)

  1. Dry roast 1 tbsp coriander seeds, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp black peppercorns, 4 cloves, 1-inch cinnamon stick, 2 cardamom pods, and 1/2 tsp fennel seeds until fragrant.
  2. Allow the roasted spices to cool and then grind them into a fine powder.
  3. Mix in 1 tsp red chili powder and 1/2 tsp turmeric powder to create the Kolhapuri Masala.

👨‍🍳 Preparation Method

  1. Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions until golden brown.
  2. Add garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Cook until the raw smell disappears.
  3. Add tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and oil separates.
  4. Mix in the freshly prepared Kolhapuri Masala and salt.
  5. Add cubed paneer and cook until the flavors blend well.
  6. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with roti or steamed rice.

⏰ Timing Guide

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

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Paneer Kolhapuri pairs perfectly with freshly made chapatis, naan, or steamed rice. Serve it with a side of cooling cucumber raita or a fresh salad to balance the spiciness of the dish.

💭 Chef's Notes

  • Adjust the spice level according to your preference by controlling the amount of red chili powder in the Kolhapuri Masala.
  • For a richer texture, you can add a splash of cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking.

📦 Storage

Store any leftover Paneer Kolhapuri in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving to retain the flavors.

Enjoy the bold flavors of Paneer Kolhapuri, a dish that truly represents the vibrant and diverse culinary landscape of India!