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Tawa Paneer - A Flavorful North Indian Delight with Paneer

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    ChefPandas
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🍲 About This Dish

Tawa Paneer is a popular North Indian dish that showcases the rich culinary heritage of the region. Originating from the heartland of India, this dish embodies the flavors and aromas that define North Indian cuisine. Paneer, a fresh cheese common in Indian cooking, takes center stage in this recipe, absorbing the vibrant spices and seasonings to create a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.

🌶️ Ingredients Overview

  • Paneer (Indian cottage cheese)
  • Tomatoes (Tamatar)
  • Onions (Pyaz)
  • Bell peppers (Shimla Mirch)
  • Ginger (Adrak)
  • Garlic (Lehsun)
  • Green chilies (Hari Mirch)
  • Cumin seeds (Jeera)
  • Turmeric powder (Haldi)
  • Red chili powder (Lal Mirch Powder)
  • Garam masala
  • Coriander powder (Dhaniya Powder)
  • Kasuri Methi (Dried fenugreek leaves)
  • Fresh coriander leaves (Dhaniya Patti)
  • Salt
  • Oil
  • Butter

✨ What Makes It Special

Tawa Paneer can vary in flavor and preparation across different regions of India. In North India, it is often cooked on a tawa, a large, flat griddle traditionally used for making Indian bread like roti. The use of robust spices like garam masala and kasuri methi sets this dish apart, giving it a distinct aroma and taste that is unique to North Indian cuisine.

📝 Ingredients

  • 250g Paneer, cut into cubes
  • 2 medium-sized tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tbsp coriander powder
  • 1 tbsp kasuri methi
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 1 tbsp butter

🥄 Spice Blend (Masala)

To make the spice blend, combine:

  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp coriander seeds
  • 1 inch cinnamon stick
  • 2-3 cloves
  • 2-3 green cardamom pods
  • Grind these spices to a fine powder for a fragrant masala mix.

👨‍🍳 Preparation Method

  1. Heat oil in a pan or tawa over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
  2. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
  3. Stir in ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Cook for a few minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
  4. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften.
  5. Sprinkle turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and the homemade spice blend. Mix well.
  6. Add bell peppers and cook until they are slightly tender.
  7. Gently add the paneer cubes and kasuri methi. Stir carefully to coat the paneer with the masala.
  8. Finish with a sprinkle of garam masala and fresh coriander leaves. Drizzle with butter for added richness.
  9. Serve hot with roti or naan.

⏰ Timing Guide

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

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Tawa Paneer pairs beautifully with hot rotis or naan, allowing you to savor the flavors of the dish with each bite. Accompany it with a side of cucumber raita or pickled onions to balance the spiciness of the dish. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a burst of freshness.

💭 Chef's Notes

  • For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of cream or yogurt towards the end of cooking.
  • Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chili powder.
  • Use freshly ground spices for the masala mix to enhance the flavors of the dish.

📦 Storage

Store any leftover Tawa Paneer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving to maintain the flavors and texture.

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Tawa Paneer, a dish that embodies the essence of North Indian cuisine with its aromatic spices and succulent paneer. Enjoy this classic recipe in the comfort of your own kitchen and experience the culinary heritage of India's diverse regions.